TEAR DUCT Meaning and
Definition
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A tear duct, commonly referred to as the lacrimal duct, is a vital component of the eye anatomy primarily responsible for draining tears from the ocular surface. It is a small duct located at the inner corners of each eye, specifically situated near the lower eyelids. The tear duct serves as a passageway for excessive tears produced by the eye, ensuring they are effectively drained away from the eye and into the nasal cavity.
The tear duct functions in a coordinated manner with other eye structures, such as the lacrimal glands that produce tears, to maintain optimal eye moisture and prevent tear overflow. Tears are essential for lubricating the eyes, protecting the ocular surface against external factors and irritants, and maintaining visual acuity. The tear duct, therefore, plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health and clear vision.
When tears are produced, they accumulate in the eye and are transported towards the tear duct through tiny channels in the eyelids known as the canaliculi. These channels collect the tears and deliver them to the lacrimal sac, positioned near the nose. From the lacrimal sac, tears are ultimately drained through the nasolacrimal duct into the nasal cavity, where they are eliminated with the body's natural secretions, like mucus.
In situations where the tear duct becomes blocked or obstructed, it may lead to an accumulation of tears in the eye, which can cause discomfort, chronic tearing, and potentially even vision problems. Conditions affecting the tear duct can range from congenital abnormalities and infections to injuries and age-related changes. In such cases, medical intervention may be required to restore proper tear drainage and alleviate associated symptoms.
Common Misspellings for TEAR DUCT
- rear duct
- fear duct
- gear duct
- year duct
- 6ear duct
- 5ear duct
- twar duct
- tsar duct
- tdar duct
- trar duct
- t4ar duct
- t3ar duct
- tezr duct
- tesr duct
- tewr duct
- teqr duct
- teae duct
- tead duct
- teaf duct
Etymology of TEAR DUCT
The word "tear duct" has its etymology rooted in Old English and Latin.
The term "tear" derives from the Old English word "tear", meaning a drop or liquid. The word can be traced back further to the Proto-Germanic root "tahsan", which means "to dissolve, flow".
The term "duct" comes from the Latin word "ductus", which means "leading, conducting". It stems from the Latin verb "ducere", meaning "to lead" or "to draw".
When combined, "tear" and "duct" form the term "tear duct", referring to the duct or passage through which tears flow from the lacrimal gland to the surface of the eye.
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