Lacrimal_punctum

The lacrimal canaliculi, one in each eyelid, commence at minute orifices, termed puncta lacrimalia (or lacrimal punctum, or lacrimal point), on the summits of the papillae lacrimales, seen on the margins of the lids at the lateral extremity of the lacus lacrimalis. There are two lacrimal puncta in the medial (inside) portion of each eye which in turn connect to the lacrimal sac. Together, they function to reabsorb tears produced by the lacrimal glands. The nasolacrimal duct connects the lacrimal sac to the inner nose. The overproduction of tears overwhelms the reabsorbtion limit and the non-absorbed tears overflow into the nose.

A close up of a lacrimal punctum.

See also

• Imperforate lacrimal punctum
• Lacrimal apparatus

External links

• Diagram and discussion at aafp.org

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