Tear glands

Tear organs are a collection of anatomical structures that produce tears and divert their excess into the nasal cavity. They are a pair formation. In order to perform their functions and in connection with the anatomical features of the location, these organs are divided into a tear and a secreting device. The secret secret contains enzymes that not only moisturize the cornea of the eyes, but also protect it from inflammation. The lacrimal liquid blinks evenly over the surface.

Lacrimal glands that secrete a watery secret containing such a potent antibacterial agent as lysozyme are located in the grooves of the orbital bones above the outer edge of the eye. Their length is about 2 centimeters, and they are very similar to almonds. The lacrimal glands consist of two parts: the orbital (upper) and palpable (lower), which are separated by the tendon of the muscle, which raises the upper eyelid. In addition, there are additional lacrimal glands. They are mainly located in the conjunctiva of the upper arch.

In order to effectively moisturize the eyeball requires no more than 1 ml of tears per day, and they produce additional glands. If there are no pathologies, then they do a great job of their functions. The main lacrimal glands begin their work if there are any irritants that cause increased tearing. This happens when exposed to various irritating substances, the foreign body enters a conjunctiva or cornea, severe pain, too bright blinding light, excess of emotions.

Lacrimal pathways are a rather complex anatomical formation, which consists of many elements. It is through them that the tear fluid moves in the conjunctival sac and then is diverted into the nasal cavity. Their health depends on the health of such an important organ as the eyes.

Lacrimal ducts in the amount of 12 pieces are located in each gland and it is through them that the secret through the holes in the vault of the upper eyelid enters the conjunctival sac. On the inner edge of the upper and lower eyelids there are small tubercles with holes, which are called tear points. The excess of secret gathered in the lacrimal lake is carried through them through the tear ducts, which are also called tubules. Then it enters a kind of collector - a tear sack, and then into the nasal cavity, where it evaporates, moistening the air in it.

Violations in the work of lacrimal organs can cause many factors, including inflammation of the lacrimal glands. In this case, a tear fluid can be produced as too little, and a lot. The main symptoms of lacrimal gland diseases are: lacrimation, a feeling of friction in the eyes, swelling of the upper eyelid. In acute inflammatory processes, patients have painful sensations, and they are absent in chronic diseases.

Lacrimal glands develop less secret with age. This is especially true for women during hormonal changes. There is a decrease in the number of tears and with Sjögren's syndrome - rheumatoid diseases with incompletely clear causes.

Naturally, when crying, the amount of secret secretion increases significantly. A similar phenomenon occurs with eye injuries, burns, foreign bodies, irritation, for example, when cleaning onions, etc. Thus the body reacts and protects the eye. Inflammation of lacrimal glands often occurs with the development of infectious diseases such as influenza, mumps, scarlet fever. If the swelling of the lacrimal glands is painless and lasts for a long time, it is possible to suspect the presence of such chronic diseases as tuberculosis, circulatory system diseases, syphilis and some others.