Lacrimal apparatus Flashcards
What are the components of the lacrimal apparatus?
The lacrimal gland, lacrimal lake, lacrimal canaliculi, lacrimal sac, nasolacrimal duct
The nasolacrimal duct carries tears into the nasal cavity.
What are the two parts of the lacrimal gland?
Orbital part, palpebral part
The palpebral part is about one-third the size of the orbital part.
Where is the lacrimal gland located?
In the lacrimal fossa on the anterior and lateral part of the roof of the orbit
It lies just within the margin of the orbit.
What shape is the larger orbital part of the lacrimal gland?
Almond-shaped
The superior surface of the orbital part is convex and related to bone.
What is the function of the lacrimal gland?
Secretes tears
Tears are essential for keeping the eye moist and for protection.
What is the relationship of the inferior surface of the lacrimal gland?
Lies above the aponeurosis of the levator palpebrae superioris
It also lies above the upper margin of the lateral rectus muscle.
How many ducts does the lacrimal gland approximately have?
About 12 ducts
These ducts pass from the orbital part through the palpebral part to open into the superior conjunctival fornix.
What type of structure is the lacrimal gland?
Lobulated tubulo-acinar structure
The lobules are separated from one another by loose connective tissue.
What is the size comparison between the orbital part and the palpebral part of the lacrimal gland?
The palpebral part is about one-third the size of the orbital part
This indicates a significant difference in their respective sizes.
What is the significance of accessory lacrimal glands?
They keep the cornea moist if the main gland is nonfunctional
These smaller glands are scattered around the conjunctival sac.
Fill in the blank: The lacrimal gland has no definite _______.
capsule
The periorbita is believed to split and enclose the gland.
True or False: The lacrimal gland is enclosed by a definite capsule.
False
The gland is believed to be enclosed by the split of the periorbita.
What type of cells line the acini of the lacrimal gland?
Columnar cells
The acini appear as round or tube-shaped masses with central lumens.
What is the anterior border of the lacrimal gland related to?
Related to the orbital septum
The posterior border is in contact with orbital fat.
What is the primary function of the lacrimal gland?
To produce tears and keep the eye moist.
Which nerve innervates the lacrimal gland?
Facial nerve.
What is the role of the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion in lacrimal gland function?
Provides sympathetic innervation.
Fill in the blank: The lacrimal gland receives parasympathetic innervation from the _______.
Pterygopalatine ganglion.
What type of cells line the lacrimal gland?
Columnar or cuboidal epithelial cells.
What is the structure that surrounds the secretory cells of the acini in the lacrimal gland?
Myoepithelial cells.
True or False: The larger intralobular ducts of the lacrimal gland have a single-layered epithelial lining.
False.
What shape are the secretory cells of the acini in the lacrimal gland?
Truncated-conical.
Which ganglion is associated with the lacrimal gland’s innervation?
Pterygopalatine ganglion.
What type of nerve is the greater petrosal nerve?
Parasympathetic nerve.
What is the role of the nerve of the pterygoid canal in relation to the lacrimal gland?
Transmits parasympathetic fibers to the gland.
Fill in the blank: The lacrimal nerve is a branch of the _______.
Maxillary nerve.
What is the appearance of the epithelial secretory cells of the lacrimal gland under an electron microscope?
Surrounded by a discontinuous layer of myoepithelial cells.
What structure provides the basal support for the secretory cells in the lacrimal gland?
Basal lamina.
What type of surface features do the secretory cells have that aid in secretion?
Microvilli on their apical or luminal surface.
Which part of the nervous system provides sympathetic innervation to the lacrimal gland?
Autonomic nervous system.
What is the role of the zygomaticotemporal nerve in relation to the lacrimal gland?
Provides sensory innervation.
What are junctional complexes and desmosomes?
Structures that attach adjacent secretory cells
What are canaliculi?
Narrow extensions of the acinar lumen between adjacent secretory cells
Where is the nucleus located in a secretory cell?
Basally located
What organelles are well-developed in the cytoplasm of secretory cells?
- Rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum
- Golgi complex
- Moderate numbers of mitochondria
What types of cellular structures are found in the cytoplasm of secretory cells?
- Free ribosomes
- Lipid droplets
- Vacuoles
- Secretory granules
What characterizes the secretory granules in secretory cells?
They are round or ovoid and membrane-bound
What variations exist among secretory granules?
- Homogeneous or finely granular
- Vary in electron density
What do researchers believe about the differences in secretory granules?
They may represent different stages in secretory activity or distinct cell types
What type of secretory cell predominance is suggested by the dense granules?
Serous type
What does positive staining of secretory granules for acid mucopolysaccharides indicate?
Mucus is also produced
What is the arterial supply to the lacrimal gland?
- Lacrimal artery (branch of ophthalmic artery)
- Infraorbital artery (sometimes supplies the gland)
Where does venous drainage of the lacrimal gland occur?
Into the ophthalmic vein
Where does the lymphatic drainage of the lacrimal gland pass?
To the superficial parotid lymph nodes
What type of nerve fibers does the lacrimal gland receive?
Both autonomic and sensory nerve fibers
Where is the parasympathetic secretomotor nerve supply for the lacrimal gland derived from?
The lacrimatory nucleus of the facial nerve
Through which structures do the preganglionic fibers reach the pterygopalatine ganglion?
Nervus intermedius, great petrosal branch, nerve of the pterygoid canal
How do postganglionic fibers reach the lacrimal gland?
Join the maxillary nerve, pass into its zygomatic branch and zygomaticotemporal nerve, then reach the lacrimal gland via the lacrimal nerve
From where do the sympathetic postganglionic fibers arise?
Superior cervical sympathetic ganglion
What is the pathway of sympathetic postganglionic fibers to the lacrimal gland?
Travel in the plexus around the internal carotid artery, join deep petrosal nerve, nerve of the pterygoid canal, maxillary nerve, zygomatic nerve, zygomaticotemporal nerve, and lacrimal nerve
Which nerve carries sensory fibers to the lacrimal gland?
Lacrimal nerve, a branch of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve
What is believed to provide afferent fibers to the parasympathetic lacrimatory nucleus?
Hypothalamus through descending autonomic pathways in the reticular formation
What emotional response may lead to excessive tear production?
Crying
What type of stimuli can cause excessive tear production through the olfactory system?
Certain olfactory stimuli
What triggers reflex lacrimation?
Irritation of the cornea or conjunctiva through afferent nervous stimuli
How are the sensory nuclei of the trigeminal nerve connected to the lacrimatory nucleus?
By internuncial neurons
What do acinar cells produce that passes into the duct system?
Secretion