Lacrimal drainage system

The lacrimal drainage system is an anatomical system responsible for transporting tears from the surface of the eye into the nasal cavity. It consists of the lacrimal puncta (small openings in the eyelids), canaliculi (connective passages), lacrimal sac (tear collecting chamber), and nasolacrimal duct (main drainage channel to the nose). Its primary role is to maintain ocular surface health by facilitating tear clearance, preventing infection, and ensuring adequate eye lubrication. Disorders of the lacrimal drainage system—such as obstruction or infection—can lead to symptoms including excessive tearing, recurrent ocular infections, and discomfort.

Other names

Tear drainage systemnasolacrimal drainage systemlacrimal apparatus