Anterior lacrimal crest

Anterior Lacrimal Crest

The lacrimal bone. Anterior lacrimal crest is visible at right.

The Anterior Lacrimal Crest is a thin, sharp, bony ridge located in the human skull. It is part of the Lacrimal bone, which is the smallest and most fragile bone of the face. The anterior lacrimal crest, together with the Posterior Lacrimal Crest, forms the boundaries of the Lacrimal groove.

Anatomy

The anterior lacrimal crest extends from the lacrimal fossa to the Lacrimal Sac. It is a part of the lacrimal bone and is located on the frontal process of the maxilla. The crest is responsible for forming the lateral wall of the lacrimal sac and the nasolacrimal duct.

Function

The anterior lacrimal crest, along with the posterior lacrimal crest, forms the lacrimal groove. This groove is responsible for housing the lacrimal sac, which is a part of the Tear-drainage system. The lacrimal sac collects tears from the Lacrimal punctum and drains them into the Nasolacrimal duct, which then empties into the nasal cavity.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the anterior lacrimal crest can lead to epiphora, a condition characterized by an overflow of tears onto the face. This can occur due to trauma, infection, or congenital abnormalities. Surgical procedures involving the lacrimal system, such as Dacryocystorhinostomy, may also involve the anterior lacrimal crest.

See Also

• Lacrimal bone
• Lacrimal groove
• Lacrimal sac
• Nasolacrimal duct