The lacrimal gland is an almond-sized gland in the upper outer part of the orbit, sitting in the lacrimal fossa of the frontal bone. The tendon of levator palpebrae superioris divides it into a larger orbital lobe and a smaller palpebral lobe. About 6-12 fine ducts carry its watery secretion into the upper lateral conjunctival fornix.
| Location | Lacrimal fossa in the upper lateral orbit, behind the orbital rim |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Parasympathetic secretomotor fibres from the facial nerve via the greater petrosal nerve, pterygopalatine ganglion and zygomatic nerve; Lacrimal nerve (CN V1, sensory); Sympathetic fibres from the superior cervical ganglion |
| Blood Supply | Lacrimal artery (from the ophthalmic artery) |
Secretes the watery layer of the tear film, rich in antibacterial proteins such as lysozyme and lactoferrin, and produces reflex and emotional tears.
The gland produces reflex tears (for example with irritation or crying) and part of the basal tear flow. Its secretomotor supply follows a long route from the superior salivatory nucleus via the facial nerve, greater petrosal nerve and pterygopalatine ganglion, so facial nerve lesions near the geniculate ganglion can cause a dry eye. Swelling of the gland occurs in sarcoidosis, Sjogren syndrome, IgG4-related disease and lymphoma.
Inflammation of the lacrimal gland causing a painful swelling in the upper outer lid with an S-shaped lid contour. It may be viral, bacterial or part of a systemic inflammatory disease.
An autoimmune disease in which lymphocytes infiltrate the lacrimal and salivary glands, causing dry eyes and dry mouth.
Tumours such as pleomorphic adenoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma or lymphoma, causing a mass that pushes the eye down and inward.
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