Anatomy of the Lacrimal Drainage System

The lacrimal drainage system drains tears from the conjunctival sac into the nose.

Components of Lacrimal Drainage System

1. Lacrimal Puncta

• Small openings situated on the:
  • Upper lid margin
  • Lower lid margin
• Located near medial canthus on lacrimal papillae
• Diameter ≈ 0.3 mm
• Directed posteriorly toward globe

Function

Collect tears from lacrimal lake.

2. Canaliculi

Each punctum continues as:

• Vertical canaliculus
• Horizontal canaliculus

A. Vertical canaliculus

• About 2 mm long