What is the correct order of the flow of tears in the eye?

What is the correct order of the flow of tears in the eye?

• A. Lacrimal gland, lacrimal sac, nasolacrimal duct, nasal cavity
• B. Lacrimal gland, lacrimal ducts, superior/inferior lacrimal canal, lacrimal sac
• C. Lacrimal gland, nasolacrimal duct, lacrimal ducts, nasal cavity
• D. Lacrimal sac, lacrimal ducts, lacrimal gland, nasal cavity

Answer: (B)

The correct order of the flow of tears begins at the lacrimal gland, which is responsible for producing tears. The tears then travel through the lacrimal ducts to reach the superior and inferior lacrimal canals. From these canals, tears are directed into the lacrimal sac, a structure that acts as a reservoir. Once in the lacrimal sac, the tears ultimately drain into the nasolacrimal duct, which leads to the nasal cavity. This sequence is essential for understanding how tears are produced and drained within the eye’s anatomy. The role of the lacrimal gland is critical as it initiates the flow, and the passage through various ducts and canals ensures that tears can effectively wash over the surface of the eye, providing moisture and removing debris before finally reaching the nasal cavity where they can be reabsorbed or expelled.

The correct order of the flow of tears begins at the lacrimal gland, which is responsible for producing tears. The tears then travel through the lacrimal ducts to reach the superior and inferior lacrimal canals. From these canals, tears are directed into the lacrimal sac, a structure that acts as a reservoir. Once in the lacrimal sac, the tears ultimately drain into the nasolacrimal duct, which leads to the nasal cavity.

This sequence is essential for understanding how tears are produced and drained within the eye’s anatomy. The role of the lacrimal gland is critical as it initiates the flow, and the passage through various ducts and canals ensures that tears can effectively wash over the surface of the eye, providing moisture and removing debris before finally reaching the nasal cavity where they can be reabsorbed or expelled.