Lacrimal groove

Anatomical feature of the human skull

Lacrimal groove

The lacrimal groove is a vertical bony depression located on the nasal surface of the maxilla and the lacrimal bone. It plays a crucial role in the drainage of tears from the eye into the nasal cavity.

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Lacrimal groove shown in the maxilla.

Anatomy

The lacrimal groove is formed by the junction of the frontal process of the maxilla and the lacrimal bone. It is situated anteriorly to the orbital plate of the ethmoid bone and posteriorly to the nasal bone. The groove is continuous with the nasolacrimal canal, which houses the nasolacrimal duct.

Structure

The lacrimal groove is bordered by the:

• Frontal process of the maxilla
• Lacrimal bone
• Inferior nasal concha

The groove itself is a shallow depression that leads into the nasolacrimal canal, which is a bony canal that extends inferiorly and posteriorly into the nasal cavity.

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The lacrimal groove and nasolacrimal duct.

Function

The primary function of the lacrimal groove is to facilitate the drainage of tears from the lacrimal sac into the nasal cavity. Tears produced by the lacrimal gland flow across the eye and are collected in the lacrimal sac, which is located in the lacrimal fossa. From the sac, tears drain through the nasolacrimal duct, which passes through the nasolacrimal canal formed by the lacrimal groove, and empties into the inferior meatus of the nasal cavity.

Clinical significance

Obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct, which can occur due to congenital anomalies, infection, or trauma, can lead to a condition known as dacryocystitis. This condition is characterized by inflammation and infection of the lacrimal sac, leading to pain, swelling, and tearing.

Related pages

• Lacrimal apparatus
• Nasolacrimal duct
• Maxilla
• Lacrimal bone