Lacrimal papilla

Lacrimal papilla is a small, round elevation located at the inner corner of the eye. It is part of the lacrimal apparatus, which is responsible for the production and drainage of tears. The lacrimal papilla is situated at the edge of the lacrimal lake, and it is where the lacrimal punctum opens.

Etymology

The term "lacrimal" is derived from the Latin word "lacrima," which means "tear." The term "papilla" comes from the Latin word "papula," meaning "pimple" or "swelling." Thus, "lacrimal papilla" can be translated as "tear swelling."

Anatomy

The lacrimal papilla is a small, round elevation located at the inner corner of the eye. It is part of the lacrimal apparatus, which is responsible for the production and drainage of tears. The lacrimal papilla is situated at the edge of the lacrimal lake, and it is where the lacrimal punctum opens.

Function

The primary function of the lacrimal papilla is to serve as the opening for the lacrimal punctum. The lacrimal punctum is a small hole that leads to the lacrimal canaliculi, which in turn drain into the lacrimal sac. This allows the tears to drain from the eye into the nose, keeping the eye moist and free of debris.

Related Terms

• Lacrimal apparatus: The collective term for the structures that produce and drain tears.
• Lacrimal lake: The pool of tears that collects at the inner corner of the eye.
• Lacrimal punctum: The small hole at the edge of the lacrimal papilla that leads to the lacrimal canaliculi.
• Lacrimal canaliculi: The small channels that carry tears from the lacrimal punctum to the lacrimal sac.
• Lacrimal sac: The structure that collects tears from the lacrimal canaliculi and drains them into the nose.

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  Gray's Anatomy illustration of the lacrimal papilla