Lacrimal apparatus: Lacrimal glands

Anatomy · Head & neck anatomy

The lacrimal glands

Paired exocrine glands
Secrete the aqueous layer of the tear film
Ducts open into the superior fornix of the conjunctiva

Location

Lateral region of each orbit
In the lacrimal fossa of the orbit
Lacrimal fossa is formed by the frontal bone and in contact with superior part of lacrimal gland. Inferior part contacts levator palpebrae.

Tear film

Once produced tear film spreads inferomedially across the conjunctiva
Collects at lacus lacrimalis (lacrimal lake - triangular area of conjunctiva adjacent to the medial canthus) before draining into the nasolacrimal system.

Anterior and lateral views of the lacrimal gland