Nasolacrimal duct

The nasolacrimal duct (also called the tear duct) carries tears from the lacrimal sac of the eye into the nasal cavity. The duct begins in the eye socket between the maxillary and lacrimal bones, from where it passes downwards and backwards. The opening of the nasolacrimal duct into the inferior nasal meatus of the nasal cavity is partially covered by a mucosal fold (valve of Hasner or plica lacrimalis). Excess tears flow through nasolacrimal duct which drains into the inferior nasal meatus.

Nasolacrimal duct
The lacrimal apparatus. Right side.
Outline of bones of face, showing position of air sinuses.
Details
Identifiers
LatinDuctus nasolacrimalis
MeSHD009301
TAA15.2.07.070
FMA9703
Anatomical terminology

This is the reason the nose starts to run when a person is crying or has watery eyes from an allergy, and why one can sometimes taste eye drops. For the same reason when applying some eye drops it is often advised to close the nasolacrimal duct by pressing it with a finger to prevent the medicine from escaping the eye and having unwanted side effects elsewhere in the body.

Like the lacrimal sac, the duct is lined by stratified columnar epithelium containing mucus-secreting goblet cells, and is surrounded by connective tissue.

Clinical significance

Obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct may occur.[1] This leads to the excess overflow of tears called epiphora. A congenital obstruction can cause cystic expansion of the duct and is called a dacryocystocele or Timo cyst. Persons with dry eye conditions can be fitted with punctal plugs that seal the ducts to limit the amount of fluid drainage and retain moisture.

During an ear infection, excess mucus may drain through the nasolacrimal duct in the opposite way tears drain.

The canal containing the nasolacrimal duct is called the nasolacrimal canal.

In humans, the tear ducts in males tend to be larger than the ones in females.[2]

Additional images
  • Roof, floor, and lateral wall of left nasal cavity.

See also

References
  1. "Blocked tear ducts in infants", Pediatric Views, June 2006.
  2. "Tears of Men and Women Are Different", Wall Street Journal, mirrored at "Why Men and Women Shed Different Tears", Fox News, May 5, 2011.
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