Lacrimal ducts

Definition

Lacrimal ducts are small channels located in the inner corner of the eyelids that drain tears from the eye's surface into the nasal cavity. They play a crucial role in maintaining eye health by facilitating tear drainage and preventing microbial infections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lacrimal ducts help to continuously flush out potential pathogens from the ocular surface, reducing the risk of infection.
2. Obstruction of lacrimal ducts can lead to conditions such as dacryocystitis, an infection of the lacrimal sac.
3. Tears produced by the lacrimal glands contain lysozyme, an enzyme that helps break down bacterial cell walls.
4. The normal microbiota of the eye can include non-pathogenic species like Staphylococcus epidermidis, which are flushed out through lacrimal ducts.
5. Infections affecting lacrimal ducts can be caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of lacrimal ducts?
• Name two potential pathogens that can infect obstructed lacrimal ducts.
• How do tears contribute to preventing microbial infections?

Related terms

Lacrimal Gland: An exocrine gland located above each eyeball that produces tears.

Dacryocystitis: An infection or inflammation of the lacrimal sac, often due to duct obstruction.

Lysozyme: An enzyme found in tears that breaks down bacterial cell walls, contributing to antimicrobial defense.