accessory lacrimal gland

glandulae lacrimales accessoriae

Serous gland with distended lumen. It includes the gland of Krause in the lacrimal sac and the gland of Wolfring on the inner surface of the upper eyelid. (NCI).

Type Gland
Structure parente lacrimal gland
Nom latin glandulae lacrimales accessoriae
FMA ID 320425

Sous-structures

crypt of Henle Bone Krause's gland Vessel Ciaccio's gland Bone

Questions fréquentes

What is the accessory lacrimal gland?
The accessory lacrimal glands (glandulae lacrimales accessoriae) are serous glands of the eyelid and conjunctiva that supplement the main lacrimal gland in producing the aqueous component of tears. Key examples include the glands of Krause (in the lacrimal sac region) and the glands of Wolfring (on the inner surface of the upper eyelid).
Where are the accessory lacrimal glands located?
The glands of Wolfring are located in the subconjunctival tissue near the tarsal fold on the inner surface of the upper eyelid, while the glands of Krause are found in the conjunctival fornix. Together they are distributed throughout the upper and lower eyelid conjunctiva.
What is the function of the accessory lacrimal glands?
Accessory lacrimal glands continuously produce the aqueous (watery) component of the tear film, contributing to the baseline (basal) tear production that maintains corneal moisture between blinks. The main lacrimal gland produces reflex tears (such as those triggered by irritation or emotion), while the accessory glands maintain baseline lubrication.
What conditions can affect the accessory lacrimal glands?
Dry eye disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) involves reduced tear production from both the main and accessory lacrimal glands. Sjögren's syndrome — an autoimmune condition — attacks lacrimal gland tissue including accessory glands, causing severe dry eye. Cicatrizing conjunctivitis can damage the accessory glands in the eyelid.
How are the accessory lacrimal glands different from the main lacrimal gland?
The main lacrimal gland is a large, well-defined gland in the superolateral orbit responsible for reflex tear production, while the accessory lacrimal glands are small, numerous glands within the eyelid conjunctiva responsible for continuous basal tear secretion. Together they ensure adequate corneal lubrication under all conditions.

Structures associées

mucus body coating mucous body coating mucus cocoon mucous cocoon Mullerian duct ductus paramesonephricus multi cell part structure cell part cluster multicellular anatomical structure multicellular structure multilaminar epithelium laminated epithelium multi-tissue structure multi-tissue structures multi-unit eye

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.