Left Lacrimal Gland (Glandula lacrimalis sinister)

Layer: Organs

Educational content only — not medical advice.

Anatomy

The left lacrimal gland is a serous exocrine gland situated within the lacrimal fossa in the superolateral roof of the left orbit. Divided by the lateral horn of the levator palpebrae superioris aponeurosis into a larger orbital part and a smaller palpebral part, it secretes reflex tears containing lysozyme, lactoferrin, and secretory IgA to lubricate and protect the corneal surface.

Clinical notes

Dacryoadenitis is inflammation of the lacrimal gland producing an S-shaped ptosis of the upper eyelid; Sjögren syndrome causes autoimmune destruction with severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Related structures

Educational references

FAQ

What is the role of the Left Lacrimal Gland?

The left lacrimal gland is a serous exocrine gland situated within the lacrimal fossa in the superolateral roof of the left orbit. Divided by the lateral horn of the levator palpebrae superioris aponeurosis into a larger orbital part and a smaller palpebral part, it secretes reflex tears containing lysozyme, lactoferrin, and secretory IgA to lubricate and protect the corneal surface.

Why is the Left Lacrimal Gland clinically important?

Dacryoadenitis is inflammation of the lacrimal gland producing an S-shaped ptosis of the upper eyelid; Sjögren syndrome causes autoimmune destruction with severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Source & license

BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details