Fossa for lacrimal sac

Fossa for lacrimal sac is a small, shallow depression located in the human skull, specifically in the lacrimal bone and the frontal process of the maxilla. It houses the lacrimal sac, which is part of the lacrimal apparatus responsible for the production, distribution, and drainage of tears.

Anatomy

The fossa for lacrimal sac is situated at the anterior part of the medial wall of the orbit. It is formed by two bony plates, the lacrimal bone and the frontal process of the maxilla. These plates are separated by the lacrimal groove, which is converted into the nasolacrimal canal when it is covered by the lacrimal sac and the nasolacrimal duct.

The fossa is roughly rectangular in shape, and its size varies among individuals. It is bordered superiorly by the lacrimal fossa of the frontal bone, inferiorly by the inferior meatus of the nasal cavity, anteriorly by the anterior lacrimal crest, and posteriorly by the posterior lacrimal crest.

Function

The primary function of the fossa for lacrimal sac is to accommodate the lacrimal sac, which collects tears from the lacrimal punctum and channels them into the nasolacrimal duct. This process helps to keep the surface of the eye moist and free from dust and debris.

Clinical significance

Conditions that affect the fossa for lacrimal sac can disrupt the normal flow of tears and lead to symptoms such as excessive tearing (epiphora) or dryness of the eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). These conditions include dacryocystitis, which is an infection of the lacrimal sac, and nasolacrimal duct obstruction, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as aging, trauma, or tumors.

See also

• Lacrimal apparatus
• Lacrimal bone
• Maxilla
• Nasolacrimal duct