The Bruchs glands are small glands located under the retina in the eye. The spelling of this word is notable due to the unusual letter pairing of "ch," which can be pronounced in two different ways depending on the language of origin. Using IPA phonetic transcription, the spelling becomes more clear: [bɹʌks ɡlændz]. The "ch" is pronounced as a hard "k" sound, making it more similar to the German pronunciation. Despite this, the official English pronunciation is typically closer to the soft "ch" sound.
Bruchs glands refer to a set of accessory tear glands located in the upper and lower eyelids that play a crucial role in maintaining moisture on the surface of the eye. These glands are named after the German ophthalmologist, Carl Bruchs, who first described them in the late 19th century. Bruchs glands are also known as the anterior accessory lacrimal glands or anterior accessory glands of Wolfring.
In human anatomy, Bruchs glands are situated within the tarsal plate of both the upper and lower eyelids. They are made up of a series of small tubules or ducts that are responsible for producing and secreting a watery substance called tears. These tears lubricate the surface of the eye, preventing dryness and maintaining optimal visual acuity.
The secretion from Bruchs glands is mixed with tears produced by the main lacrimal glands, which are located above and to the side of the eye. This combined fluid helps to nourish the cornea, enhance the smoothness of blinking, and protect the eye from foreign particles or irritants.
Disorders affecting Bruchs glands can lead to symptoms such as dry eyes, increased tear evaporation, and discomfort. Dysfunction or blockage in these glands may result from various causes, including age, inflammation, or systemic diseases. Treatment options for Bruchs gland-related conditions typically involve management of underlying causes, the use of lubricating eye drops, or, in severe cases, surgical intervention to facilitate tear flow.
Trachoma glands, lymphoid glands in the palpebral conjunctiva.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word Bruchs glands is derived from the name of Karl Wilhelm Ludwig Bruch, a German ophthalmologist who lived from 1849 to 1912. Bruch made important contributions to the field of ophthalmology and is best known for his work on the histology and anatomy of the eye. His name was posthumously associated with several structures in the eye, including the glands found between the conjunctiva and the sclera, which were therefore named after him as Bruchs glands.