Lacrimal sac | |
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Details | |
Artery | Angular artery |
Identifiers | |
Latin | saccus lacrimalis |
TA98 | A15.2.07.068 |
TA2 | 6857 |
FMA | 20289 |
Anatomical terminology |
The lacrimal sac or lachrymal sac[1] is the upper dilated end of the nasolacrimal duct,[2] and is lodged in a deep groove formed by the lacrimal bone and frontal process of the maxilla. It connects the lacrimal canaliculi, which drain tears from the eye's surface, and the nasolacrimal duct, which conveys this fluid into the nasal cavity.[3] Lacrimal sac occlusion leads to dacryocystitis. [4]
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Anatomy: The lacrimal sac extends approximately 10 mm above the axilla of the middle turbinate.
The lacrimal sac lies within a fossa in the anterior portion of the medial orbital wall. This fossa is formed by the frontal process of the maxillary bone and the lacrimal bone. The sac is surrounded by fascia, continuous with the periorbita, which runs from the anterior to the posterior lacrimal crests.
Tears drain through the canaliculi, lacrimal sac and naso-lacrimal duct into the nose. Blockage of the naso-lacrimal duct prevents drainage of the lacrimal sac, which may lead to infection, causing a painful swelling at the side of the nose below the medial canthus. This may present as a chronically watery, discharging eye, or as an acutely inflamed abscess. This should be treated with oral broad-spectrum antibiotics. The problem may recur unless drainage into the nose is re-established.