Ampulla of lacrimal canaliculus
Ampulla canaliculi lacrimalis
Definition
The ampulla of the lacrimal canaliculus is the slight dilated segment located immediately distal to the lacrimal punctum at the beginning of each lacrimal canaliculus. It forms part of the vertical portion of the canaliculus and functions as a small reservoir that facilitates the collection and drainage of tears from the ocular surface into the lacrimal drainage system.
The ampulla is lined by stratified squamous epithelium and contributes to the lacrimal pump mechanism during blinking.
References
Ducker L, Rivera RY. Anatomy, Head and Neck: Eye Lacrimal Duct. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531487/
TeachMeAnatomy (n.d.) Lacrimal gland. Available at: TeachMeAnatomy (Accessed: 13 May 2026).
Standring, S. (Ed.). (2015). Eye (Chapter 42). In Gray's anatomy: The anatomical basis of clinical practice (41st ed., pp. ). Churchill Livingstone.
Medscape (n.d.) Lacrimal system anatomy. Available at: Medscape (Accessed: 13 May 2026).
