FAQ: What Makes Up The Lacrimal Apparatus?

The lacrimal apparatus consists of the lacrimal glands, which secrete the tears, and the lacrimal sac and ducts, which convey the tears into the nasal cavity. Secretory function of the lacrimal glands declines with age, and many elderly individuals develop “dry eye” syndrome.

What are the parts of lacrimal gland?

The lacrimal gland consists of two connecting parts: the larger orbital part and the smaller palpebral part. The gland together with its associated drainage system of ducts form the lacrimal apparatus. This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the lacrimal gland.

Where is the lacrimal apparatus?

The lacrimal gland is a bilobed, tear-shaped gland with the primary function of secreting the aqueous portion of the tear film, thereby maintaining the ocular surface. It is primarily located in the anterior, superotemporal orbit within the lacrimal fossa of the frontal bone.

What’s the lacrimal apparatus structures in order as tears flow?

Tears are produced by the lacrimal gland and the accessory lacrimal glands and cover the cornea. Tears then drain out the punctum in the medial eyelids, flow down the canaliculi into the lacrimal sac. They then drain down the nasolacrimal duct into the nose at the inferior meatus (under the inferior turbinate).

What do lacrimal glands secrete?

The lacrimal gland is located within the orbit above the lateral end of the eye. It continually releases fluid which cleanses and protects the eye’s surface as it lubricates and moistens it. These lacrimal secretions are commonly known as tears.

Where are tears produced?

Tears come from glands above your eyes, then drain into your tear ducts (small holes in the inner corners of your eyes) and down through your nose. When your eyes don’t make enough tears, or your tears don’t work the right way, you can get dry eye.

What is lacrimal apparatus and its function?

The lacrimal apparatus is the physiological system containing the orbital structures for tear production and drainage. It consists of: The lacrimal gland, which secretes the tears, and its excretory ducts, which convey the fluid to the surface of the human eye; it is a j-shaped serous gland located in lacrimal fossa.

What causes lacrimal secretion and what is its purpose?

Unstable tear film causes ocular surface inflammation and epithelial disease. The lacrimal gland makes and secretes the water, electrolytes, and proteins composing the aqueous layer of the tear film, which is under neural control. Defective lacrimal gland function causes aqueous tear deficient dry eye syndrome.

Which cranial nerve produces tears?

The great (superficial) petrosal nerve from cranial nerve VII provides autonomic innervation to the lacrimal gland. It is responsible for the production of much of the aqueous portion of the tear film.

What is lacrimal pathway?

The lacrimal pathway is groove between the closed margin of the eyelids and the eyeball through which the tears flow to the punctum lacrimale.

What does the lacrimal sac do?

Function. It serves as a reservoir for overflow of tears, in which the lacrimal sac pumps inward and outward driven by the orbicularis muscle during blinking.

What is the lacrimal canaliculi?

The lacrimal canaliculi, (sing. canaliculus), are the small channels in each eyelid that drain lacrimal fluid, from the lacrimal puncta to the lacrimal sac. This forms part of the lacrimal apparatus that drains lacrimal fluid from the surface of the eye to the nasal cavity.

What produces conjunctiva?

The conjunctiva helps lubricate the eye by producing mucus and tears, although a smaller volume of tears than the lacrimal gland. It also contributes to immune surveillance and helps to prevent the entrance of microbes into the eye.

Which glands produce tears?

The tear glands ( lacrimal glands ), located above each eyeball, continuously supply tear fluid that’s wiped across the surface of your eye each time you blink your eyelids. Excess fluid drains through the tear ducts into the nose.