Posterior lacrimal crest

Posterior Lacrimal Crest

The Posterior Lacrimal Crest is a small, vertical ridge found in the human skull. It is located on the lacrimal bone, which is part of the orbital complex, and plays a crucial role in the tear drainage system.

Anatomy

The Posterior Lacrimal Crest is a bony structure that forms the posterior border of the lacrimal groove, which houses the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct. This crest extends from the lacrimal fossa to the inferior orbital rim. It is important in the formation of the lacrimal sac fossa, which is a part of the tear drainage system.

File:Lacrimal bone - close-up - animation.gif

Animation of the lacrimal bone showing the location of the Posterior Lacrimal Crest.

Function

The primary function of the Posterior Lacrimal Crest is to provide structural support to the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct. These structures are responsible for the drainage of tears from the eye to the nasal cavity. The crest also serves as an attachment point for the medial palpebral ligament and the lacrimal sac fascia.

Clinical Significance

Understanding the anatomy of the Posterior Lacrimal Crest is crucial in several surgical procedures, including dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), a procedure to restore tear drainage when the nasolacrimal duct is obstructed.

File:Dacryocystorhinostomy.jpg

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery, which involves the Posterior Lacrimal Crest.

See Also

• Lacrimal bone
• Lacrimal sac
• Nasolacrimal duct
• Dacryocystorhinostomy