Which structure drains tears from the eye?

Which structure drains tears from the eye?

• A. Lacrimal Glands
• B. Lacrimal Apparatus
• C. Cornea
• D. Sclera

Answer: (B)

Tears are removed from the eye through the lacrimal apparatus, which is the drainage system for tears. Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands and then wash over the eye; they drain medially through the lacrimal puncta, pass via the canaliculi into the lacrimal sac, and then travel down the nasolacrimal duct into the nasal cavity. The lacrimal apparatus encompasses both tear production and the drainage pathway, so it’s the structure responsible for draining tears. The cornea and sclera are parts of the eye’s surfaces and do not handle tear drainage.

Tears are removed from the eye through the lacrimal apparatus, which is the drainage system for tears. Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands and then wash over the eye; they drain medially through the lacrimal puncta, pass via the canaliculi into the lacrimal sac, and then travel down the nasolacrimal duct into the nasal cavity. The lacrimal apparatus encompasses both tear production and the drainage pathway, so it’s the structure responsible for draining tears. The cornea and sclera are parts of the eye’s surfaces and do not handle tear drainage.