2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
7 Oculofacial Plastic and Orbital Surgery
Part III: Lacrimal System
Chapter 14: Anatomy, Development, and Physiology of the Lacrimal Secretory and Drainage Systems
Development
Secretory System
The lacrimal gland develops from multiple solid ectodermal buds in the anterior superolateral orbit. These buds branch, canalize, and form ducts and alveoli. The lacrimal glands are small and do not function fully until approximately 6 weeks after birth. Thus, newborn infants do not produce tears when crying.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 10 - Glaucoma. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.