The
lacrimal canaliculi, (sing. canaliculus), also known as the
lacrimal canals or
lacrimal ducts, are the small channels in each
eyelid that commence at minute orifices, termed
puncta lacrimalia, on the summits of the
papillae lacrimales, seen on the margins of the lids at the lateral extremity of the
lacus lacrimalis.
- The superior duct, the smaller and shorter of the two, at first ascends, then bends at an acute angle, and passes medialward and downward to the lacrimal sac.
- The inferior duct at first descends, then runs almost horizontally to the lacrimal sac.