Lacrimal punctum

The lacrimal punctum (pl.: 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. Normally, the puncta dip into the lacrimal lake.

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.

Additional images

See also

• Imperforate lacrimal punctum
• Lacrimal apparatus
• Punctal plug

References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1028 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

External links

• Diagram and discussion at aafp.org Archived 2011-10-20 at the Wayback Machine

1. Imperforate lacrimal punctum
2. Punctum
3. Lacrimal apparatus
4. Lacrimal gland
5. Tears
6. Lacrimal canaliculi
7. Lacrimal papilla
8. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction
9. Lacrimal
10. Orbit (anatomy)
11. Punctoplasty
12. Epicanthic fold
13. Lacrimal lake
14. Eye drop
15. List of instruments used in ophthalmology
16. Oculoplastics
17. Eye surgery
18. Chalazion
19. Outline of human anatomy
20. List of dog diseases