Lacrimal groove of lacrimal bone
Sulcus lacrimalis
- Related terms: Lacrimal groove; Lacrimal groove (Lacrimal bone)
Definition
The lacrimal groove of lacrimal bone, also known as the lacrimal fossa, is an important structure found on the outer surface of the lacrimal bone. It’s located at the front part of the medial walls of the orbits. The groove is bordered at the rear by the posterior lacrimal crest of the lacrimal bone and at the front by the anterior lacrimal crest, which comes from the frontal process of the maxilla. These crests form the front and back borders of the lacrimal groove.
The floor of the lacrimal groove consists of two sections: the rear part is the orbital surface of the lacrimal bone, and the front section is the frontal process of the maxilla. The lacrimal groove plays a vital role as it serves as a protective space for the lacrimal sac, an essential component of the tear drainage system.
References
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Standring, S. (2016). ‘Chapter 30: Face and scalp’ in Gray’s anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice. (41st ed.) New York NY: Elsevier, pp. 483.
