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The lacrimal punctum (pl.: puncta) or lacrimal point is a minute opening on the summits of the lacrimal papillae, seen on the margins of the eyelids at the lateral extremity of the lacrimal lake. There are two lacrimal puncta in the medial (inside) portion of each eyelid. Normally, the puncta dip into the lacrimal lake.
| Lacrimal punctum | |
|---|---|
 The tarsal glands, etc., seen from the inner surface of the eyelids. (Puncta lacrimalia visible at center left.) | |
 The lacrimal apparatus. Right side. Note outdated terminology: The "Lacrimal ducts" in Gray's are now called "Lacrimal canals". | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | puncta lacrimalia |
| TA98 | A15.2.07.065 |
| TA2 | 6854 |
| FMA | 59365 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Together, they function to collect tears produced by the lacrimal glands. The fluid is conveyed through the lacrimal canaliculi to the lacrimal sac, and thence via the nasolacrimal duct to the inferior nasal meatus of the nasal passage.
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A close up of a lacrimal punctum.
Lower lacrimal punctum through slit lamp biomicroscope
This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1028 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)
- Diagram and discussion at aafp.org Archived 2011-10-20 at the Wayback Machine
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