Lacrimal artery

Lacrimal artery

The Lacrimal artery is an artery that arises from the ophthalmic artery and supplies blood to the lacrimal gland, eyelid, and conjunctiva. It is one of the branches of the ophthalmic artery, which is itself a branch of the internal carotid artery.

Origin and Course

The lacrimal artery originates from the ophthalmic artery, which is a branch of the internal carotid artery. It travels through the superior orbital fissure and runs along the upper border of the lateral rectus muscle, supplying the lacrimal gland, eyelid, and conjunctiva.

Branches

The lacrimal artery gives off several branches, including the lateral palpebral arteries, zygomatic branches, and recurrent meningeal artery. The lateral palpebral arteries supply the upper and lower eyelids, while the zygomatic branches supply the zygomatic bone and the temporal region. The recurrent meningeal artery reenters the orbit through the superior orbital fissure and supplies the dura mater.

Clinical Significance

The lacrimal artery is important in the vascular supply of the eye and its associated structures. Damage to this artery can lead to ischemia of the eye and surrounding tissues, potentially causing vision loss. It is also of clinical significance in surgical procedures involving the orbit, as injury to the lacrimal artery can result in significant bleeding.

See Also

• Ophthalmic artery
• Internal carotid artery
• Lacrimal gland
• Eyelid
• Conjunctiva

References

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