Lacrimal lake

The Lacrimal Lake (also known as the Lacrimal Pool) is a small, pool-like depression in the medial angle (or canthus) of the eye, where the tears collect. It is part of the Lacrimal apparatus which is responsible for the production, distribution, and removal of tears.

Etymology

The term "Lacrimal Lake" is derived from the Latin word "lacrima" which means "tear". The term "lake" is used to describe the pool-like depression where the tears collect.

Anatomy

The Lacrimal Lake is located at the inner corner of the eye, where the upper and lower eyelids meet. It is part of the Lacrimal apparatus, which also includes the Lacrimal gland, Lacrimal canaliculi, Lacrimal sac, and Nasolacrimal duct. The Lacrimal Lake is where the tears produced by the Lacrimal gland collect before they are drained through the Lacrimal canaliculi into the Lacrimal sac and then the Nasolacrimal duct.

Function

The primary function of the Lacrimal Lake is to collect the tears produced by the Lacrimal gland. These tears then flow across the surface of the eye, providing lubrication, nutrients, and protection against infection. The tears eventually drain into the Lacrimal Lake, and from there, they are drained through the Lacrimal canaliculi into the Lacrimal sac and then the Nasolacrimal duct.

Related Terms

• Lacrimal apparatus: The system responsible for the production, distribution, and removal of tears.
• Lacrimal gland: The gland that produces tears.
• Lacrimal canaliculi: The small channels that drain tears from the eye into the Lacrimal sac.
• Lacrimal sac: The structure that collects tears from the Lacrimal canaliculi and drains them into the Nasolacrimal duct.
• Nasolacrimal duct: The duct that drains tears from the Lacrimal sac into the nose.

See Also

• Tears
• Eye
• Anatomy of the eye

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