Lacrimal punctum | |
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The tarsal glands, etc., seen from the inner surface of the eyelids. (Puncta lacrimalia visible at center left.)
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The lacrimal apparatus. Right side. Note outdated terminology: The "Lacrimal ducts" in Gray's are now called "Lacrimal canals".
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Details | |
Identifiers | |
Latin | Puncta lacrimalia |
TA | A15.2.07.065 |
FMA | 59365 |
Anatomical terminology
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The lacrimal punctum (plural puncta) or lacrimal point, is a minute opening on the summits of the lacrimal papillae, seen on the margins of the eyelids at the lateral extremity of the lacrimal lake. There are two lacrimal puncta in the medial (inside) portion of each eyelid.
Together, they function to collect tears produced by the lacrimal glands. The fluid is conveyed through the lacrimal canaliculi to the lacrimal sac, and thence via the nasolacrimal duct to the inferior nasal meatus of the nasal passage.
A close up of a lacrimal punctum.
This article incorporates text in the public domain from the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)