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Home › Body Atlas › Muscles › Orbicularis Oculi Lacrimal Part
Muscle Head & Skull

Orbicularis Oculi Lacrimal Part

pars lacrimalis m. orbicularis oculi

The lacrimal part (Horner's muscle) wraps around the lacrimal canaliculi and sac, creating a pumping action during blinking that propels tears through the nasolacrimal drainage system.

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

OriginPosterior lacrimal crest of the lacrimal bone
InsertionLateral raphe of the eyelid
Nerve SupplyFacial nerve, zygomatic branch (VII)
Blood SupplyOphthalmic artery
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Actions
  • Dilates the lacrimal sac during blinking, creates a pumping action for tear drainage
  • Assists eyelid closure

It draws the eyelids and lacrimal canaliculi medially and helps pump tears into the lacrimal sac.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Lacrimal part dysfunction in facial nerve palsy impairs the lacrimal pump, contributing to epiphora despite a structurally intact nasolacrimal system. In DCR, this component must be preserved to maintain the pumping mechanism.

Palpation

Not directly palpable, identified by its function during blinking assessment.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Lacrimal Part Dysfunction in Facial Nerve Palsy

Epiphora from lacrimal pump failure due to orbicularis lacrimal part paresis in Bell's palsy.

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