nasolacrimala

"Nasolacrimala" is not a widely recognized anatomical term in standard medical literature; it appears to be a variant spelling or typographical error of "nasolacrimal," which relates to the structures that produce and drain tears. In contexts where "nasolacrimala" is encountered, it typically refers to the nasolacrimal apparatus, comprising the lacrimal gland, puncta, canaliculi, lacrimal sac, and the nasolacrimal duct.

The nasolacrimal apparatus functions to collect tears from the ocular surface and convey them into the nasal cavity. Tears produced by the lacrimal gland spread across the eye and enter the puncta at the medial eyelid margin, travel through the canaliculi to the lacrimal sac, and descend via the nasolacrimal duct to drain into the inferior meatus of the nose. This drainage helps maintain ocular surface health and clear debris.

Clinically, dysfunction of the nasolacrimal system can cause epiphora (excessive tearing), recurrent infections such as dacryocystitis, and congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in infants. Diagnostic approaches include clinical examination, irrigation or probing of the duct, and imaging studies like dacryocystography. Treatment ranges from conservative measures and topical therapy to procedures such as probing, stenting, or dacryocystorhinostomy for persistent obstruction.

When encountering the term "nasolacrimala," it is advisable to confirm intended meaning, as authoritative sources and clinical texts use "nasolacrimal" as the standard adjective.