dacryon

Dacryon is a craniometric landmark used in anatomy, anthropology, and forensic science. It denotes the point at which the frontal bone, lacrimal bone, and maxilla converge on the medial orbital wall, near the region of the lacrimal fossa and the inner corner of the eye.

The name derives from the Greek word for tear, reflecting its proximity to the lacrimal apparatus. In practice, the dacryon is described as the junction where the bones of the medial orbital border meet, offering a reproducible reference point for measurements of facial morphology and skull structure.

In clinical and research contexts, the dacryon serves as a standardized reference for cephalometric and craniometric analyses, aiding comparisons of orbital width, facial height, and cranial base relationships among individuals or populations. It is commonly listed alongside other orbital and cranial landmarks such as the nasion, dacryon’s nearby points, and the frontal, lacrimal, and maxillary sutures.

Variations in anatomical anatomy and cephalometric technique can affect the precise location of the dacryon, but it remains a recognized point of reference due to its stable relationship to the orbital region. See also related landmarks such as nasion, orbitale, and infraorbitale for broader context in skull measurements.