Which component of the eye is primarily responsible for its structure and shape?

The globe of the eye, often referred to simply as the eyeball, is primarily responsible for maintaining the overall structure and shape of the eye. It is a spherical structure that contains various components, including the cornea, lens, and retina, but it is the globe that provides the general framework and integrity required for proper functionality.

The globe is filled with a gel-like substance called vitreous humor, which helps maintain intraocular pressure and supports the retina, ensuring that it stays properly positioned for clear vision. This pressure helps to keep the eye from collapsing. Without the globe's structure, the eye would be unable to maintain its shape, leading to potential vision problems.

While the ciliary body contributes to the eye's function by controlling the lens shape for focusing and the cornea plays a critical role in focusing light, neither of these components primarily upholds the eye’s overall structure as the globe does. The sclera, while also significant as the white outer layer of the eye providing protection, does not encompass the entire structure in the same way that the globe does. Therefore, the globe is indeed the key component responsible for the eye's shape and structural integrity.