Part of the TeachMe Series

The Lacrimal Gland

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Original Author(s): Sam Barnes
Last updated: September 23, 2018
Revisions: 14

Original Author(s): Sam Barnes
Last updated: September 23, 2018
Revisions: 14

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The lacrimal glands are serous type exocrine glands that secrete lacrimal fluid onto the surfaces of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye.

Lacrimal fluid acts to the clean, nourish and lubricate the eyes. It forms tears when produced in excess.

In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the lacrimal glands – their location, neurovascular supply and clinical relevance.

Anatomical Location

The lacrimal gland is located anteriorly in the superolateral aspect of the orbit, within the lacrimal fossa – a depression in the orbital plate of the frontal bone.

Its anatomical relations include:

  • Superior – zygomatic process of frontal bone
  • Anterior – orbital septum
  • Posterior – orbital fat
  • Inferolateral – lateral rectus muscle

Fig 1 – The anatomical position of the lacrimal gland.

Anatomical Structure

The lacrimal gland is approximately 2cm long. It can be divided into two main parts:

  • Orbital – larger and sits on the lateral margin of the levator palpabrae superioris muscle.
  • Palprebral – smaller and is located along the inner surface of the eyelid.

The lacrimal gland is a compound tubuloacinar gland, comprised of lobules – which are formed by multiple acini. The acini contain serous cells and produce a watery serous secretion (lacrimal fluid).

The lacrimal fluid produced by the gland is secreted into excretory ducts, which empty into the superior conjunctival fornix. The fluid is then ‘spread’ over the cornea by the process of blinking.

Lacrimal Apparatus

The lacrimal apparatus is the system responsible for the drainage of lacrimal fluid from the orbit.

After secretion, lacrimal fluid circulates across the eye, and accumulates in the lacrimal lake – located in the medial canthus of the eye. From here, it drains into the lacrimal sac via a series of canals.

The lacrimal sac is the dilated end of the nasolacrimal duct, and is located in a groove formed by the lacrimal bone and frontal process of the maxilla. Lacrimal fluid drains down the nasolacrimal duct and empties into the inferior meatus of the nasal cavity.

Fig 2 – The lacrimal apparatus of the eye.

Vasculature

The main arterial supply to the lacrimal gland is from the lacrimal artery, which is derived from the ophthalmic artery – a branch of the internal carotid.

Venous drainage is via the superior ophthalmic vein, and ultimately empties into the cavernous sinus.

Lymphatic drainage is to the superficial parotid lymph nodes. They empty into the superior deep cervical nodes.

Innervation

The sensory innervation to the lacrimal gland is via the lacrimal nerve. This is a branch of the ophthalmic nerve (in turn derived from the trigeminal nerve).

The lacrimal gland also receives autonomic nerve fibres:

  • Parasympathetic:
    • Preganglionic fibres are carried in the greater petrosal nerve (branch of the facial nerve) and then the nerve of pterygoid canal, before synapsing at the pterygopalatine ganglion.
    • Postganglionic fibres travel with the maxillary nerve, and finally the zygomatic nerve.
    • Stimulates fluid secretion from the lacrimal gland
  • Sympathetic 
    • Fibres originate from the superior cervical ganglion, and are carried by the internal carotid plexus and deep petrosal nerve.
    • They join with the parasympathetic fibres in the nerve of pterygoid canal, and follow the same route to supply the gland.
    • Inhibits fluid secretion from the lacrimal gland

Fig 3 – The pterygopalatine ganglion and its branches.

Clinical Relevance: Dacryoadenitis

Dacryoadenitis refers to inflammation of the lacrimal glands.

It can present acutely or chronically:

  • Acute dacryoadenitis – typically due to a viral and bacterial infection such as mumps, Epstein-Barr virus, staphylococcus and gonococcus.
  • Chronic dacryoadenitis – usually due to a non-infectious inflammatory condition such as sarcoidosis or thyroid eye disease associated with Grave’s disease.

Clinical features include swelling, pain and excess tear production. The swelling can lead to visual impairment, secondary to pressure on the eye.

If the cause is viral, simple rest and warm compresses can be helpful. For other causes, treating the underlying cause is necessary and effective.