Abstract
Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of lacrimal apparatus. Lacrimal gland is roughly the size of a broad bean and is situated in the superior temporal aspect of the orbit. It is partially divided by the orbital septum and the tendon of the levator palpebrae muscle into orbital and palpebral lobes. The gland has a tubulo-alveolar structure with numerous lobules and is similar in structure to the parotid gland. Secretions from the lacrimal gland drain through 12 secretory ducts. The gland is supplied by parasympathetic, sympathetic, and sensory nerves. Developmental abnormalities include defects of the lacrimal gland, defective development of the canaliculi, fistulas of the lacrimal sac, and obstructions of the nasolacrimal sac. Hypersecretion of tears from the lacrimal gland is caused by infective, chemical, thermal, mechanical, or emotional stimuli. Epiphora results from drainage defects because of stenosis or obstructions of the lacrimal drainage system; blockage may also be caused by foreign bodies, such as eyelashes or fungal growths blocking the canaliculi. Hyposecretion of the lacrimal gland is one of the signs of Sjogren's syndrome.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
