LACRIMAL GLANDS Meaning and
Definition
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The lacrimal glands are a pair of small, almond-shaped structures located in the upper outer corner of each eye, responsible for producing tears. These glands are vital components of the lacrimal apparatus, which encompasses various structures involved in the production, distribution, and drainage of tears. The lacrimal glands secrete watery fluid known as tears, which serve multiple purposes, such as lubricating the surface of the eye, nourishing and protecting the cornea, and aiding in the removal of foreign particles or debris from the ocular surface.
The lacrimal glands consist of acini, which are clusters of specialized secretory cells, and ducts that allow the tears to reach the ocular surface. The production of tears is regulated by the autonomic nervous system, mainly by the parasympathetic division, which triggers the release of tears upon various stimuli, including emotional responses, irritants, or physical contact with the eye. Once tears are secreted, they travel across the surface of the eye, bathing it in moisture, and eventually drain into the nasolacrimal duct, which connects the eyes to the nasal cavity.
Disorders or dysfunction of the lacrimal glands can result in various eye-related problems, such as dry eyes, excessive tearing, or lacrimal gland tumors. Treatment options for lacrimal gland disorders depend on the underlying cause and may range from the use of artificial tears or medications to surgical interventions, such as lacrimal gland resection or drainage procedures.
Common Misspellings for LACRIMAL GLANDS
- kacrimal glands
- pacrimal glands
- oacrimal glands
- lzcrimal glands
- lscrimal glands
- lwcrimal glands
- lqcrimal glands
- laxrimal glands
- lavrimal glands
- lafrimal glands
- ladrimal glands
- laceimal glands
- lacdimal glands
- lacfimal glands
- lactimal glands
- lac5imal glands
- lac4imal glands
- lacrumal glands
- lacrjmal glands
- lacrkmal glands
Etymology of LACRIMAL GLANDS
The word lacrimal comes from the Latin word lacrima, meaning tear. The term lacrimal glands is derived from this Latin word, combined with the word gland, which refers to a secretory organ. Therefore, lacrimal glands literally means tear glands or glands that produce tears.
