General Medical Information

Lacrimal System

SUSAN D. JOHN
MICHAEL D. MAVES

The lacrimal apparatus consists of a secretory portion, the lacrimal gland, its ducts, the drainage apparatus, the lacrimal canaliculi and sac, and the nasolacrimal duct. The lacrimal gland is partially divided into two portions by the lateral horn of the aponeurosis of the levator palpebrae. The larger orbital portion of the gland lies in a shallow fossa on the frontal bone and is in contact anteriorly with the orbital septum. The excretory ductules of the lacrimal gland run through the orbital part of the gland, run through or close to the posterior part of the palpebral portion, and are joined by ducts from this portion. Removal of the palpebral portion can destroy the drainage of the entire gland.