könnycsatorna

Könnycsatorna refers to the tear duct system in mammals, responsible for draining tears from the ocular surface. This system consists of several parts, including the puncta lacrimalia, canaliculi lacrimales, the lacrimal sac, and the nasolacrimal duct. Tears produced by the lacrimal glands lubricate and protect the eye. When blinking, tears are spread across the cornea and then collected by the puncta, small openings located in the inner corners of the eyelids.

From the puncta, tears travel through the upper and lower canaliculi, which are tiny tubes leading to the lacrimal sac. The lacrimal sac is a small reservoir situated in a groove on the medial side of the orbit. From the lacrimal sac, tears descend through the nasolacrimal duct. This duct empties into the nasal cavity, which is why crying can result in a runny nose. This drainage system is crucial for maintaining a clear visual field and removing debris from the eye's surface. Blockages or inflammation within any part of the tear drainage system can lead to various ophthalmic conditions, such as excessive tearing (epiphora) or infections.