The word "canaliculus lacrimalis" refers to the small tear ducts in the human eye that drain tears from the eye into the nasal cavity. The spelling of this word can be challenging due to its length and multiple syllables. IPA phonetic transcription can help to break down the word and understand its correct pronunciation. The phonetic transcription for "canaliculus lacrimalis" would be /kænəˈlɪkjʊləs lækrɪˈmeɪlɪs/. By understanding the sound of each individual letter and syllable, one can easily spell out this complex term.
The term "canaliculus lacrimalis" refers to a small anatomical structure found within the eye responsible for the drainage of tears. It is derived from Latin, with "canaliculus" meaning "small tube" and "lacrimalis" relating to tears.
The canaliculus lacrimalis, more commonly known as the lacrimal canaliculus or lacrimal duct, is a narrow channel that connects the inner corner of the eye, near the lacrimal punctum, to the lacrimal sac. The lacrimal punctum is a small opening located on the eyelid margin that serves as the entry point for tears into the canaliculus.
The main function of the canaliculus lacrimalis is to channel and collect tears from the surface of the eye. Tears contain moisture, lubricants, enzymes, and other substances that help maintain the eye's health and protect it from irritants. Once tears enter the canaliculus, they are then transported to the lacrimal sac, which is a larger reservoir located at the nasal corner of the eye.
From the lacrimal sac, tears further travel through the nasolacrimal duct, which passes through the nasal cavity and ultimately drains into the back of the throat. The canaliculus lacrimalis, therefore, plays a crucial role in the proper drainage and elimination of tears from the eye, maintaining a balanced moisture level and preventing excessive tearing or dryness.
The canal leading into the lacrymal sac from the punctum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "canaliculus lacrimalis" is derived from Latin.
- "Canaliculus" comes from the Latin word "canalis", which means "small channel" or "pipe".
- "Lacrimalis" is derived from the Latin word "lacrima", which means "tear".
Together, "canaliculus lacrimalis" literally translates to "lacrimal (tear) channel" or "lacrimal duct". This term refers to the small channels or ducts in the eye that collect and drain tears into the nose.