Which structure directly receives tears from the lacrimal canaliculi?

Which structure directly receives tears from the lacrimal canaliculi?

• A. Inferior nasal meatus
• B. Nasolacrimal duct
• C. Lacrimal sac
• D. Lacrimal gland

Answer: (B)

Tears flow from the lacrimal puncta into the canaliculi, then into the lacrimal sac, which is the structure that directly receives the tears from the canaliculi. From the lacrimal sac, tears move into the nasolacrimal duct, which later drains into the inferior meatus of the nasal cavity. The lacrimal gland is where tears are produced, not where they are collected after production. The inferior nasal meatus is where the drainage ultimately ends up after passing through the nasolacrimal duct.

Tears flow from the lacrimal puncta into the canaliculi, then into the lacrimal sac, which is the structure that directly receives the tears from the canaliculi. From the lacrimal sac, tears move into the nasolacrimal duct, which later drains into the inferior meatus of the nasal cavity. The lacrimal gland is where tears are produced, not where they are collected after production. The inferior nasal meatus is where the drainage ultimately ends up after passing through the nasolacrimal duct.