könnytároló

Könnytároló is a Finnish term that translates to "tear storage" or "tear repository." It refers to the anatomical structure within the eye responsible for collecting and draining tears. The primary component of the könnytároló is the lacrimal lake, a small reservoir of tears located at the medial (inner) corner of the eye, adjacent to the nose.

From the lacrimal lake, tears flow into the lacrimal puncta, which are tiny openings also situated at the medial corner of the eyelids. Each eyelid has one punctum. These puncta lead into small tubes called lacrimal canaliculi, which then drain into the lacrimal sac. The lacrimal sac is a small, thin-walled pouch located in a groove on the side of the nasal bone.

The final stage of tear drainage involves the nasolacrimal duct, which extends from the lacrimal sac down into the nasal cavity. This explains why crying can sometimes cause a runny nose, as excess tears are drained into the nasal passages. The entire könnytároló system works to maintain a thin, lubricating layer of tears on the surface of the eye, remove debris, and provide essential nutrients to the cornea. Its efficient functioning is crucial for maintaining clear vision and eye health.