Tear Duct (Nasolacrimal Duct)

The tear duct, or nasolacrimal duct, carries tears from the lacrimal sac of the eye into the nasal cavity. It helps drain excess tears and maintain eye moisture.

Anatomy & Structure

• Begins in the eye socket between the maxillary and lacrimal bones.
• Drains into the inferior nasal meatus of the nasal cavity.
• Lined by stratified columnery epithelium with mucus-secreting goblet cells.

Function

• Drains tears from the eye surface to the nasal cavity.
• Prevents tear overflow and maintains eye comfort.

Clinical Significance

• Obstruction can cause excessive tearing (epiphora) or infection (dacryocystitis).
• Punctal plugs may be used to treat dry eye by blocking drainage.

See also: Eyes, Eyelid, Communication in Bed

The connection with "oral fixation" from Communication in Bed has been added to the 'See also' section as a relevant conceptual link, though not directly related to tear duct anatomy or function.