lacrimal gland
LowTechnical/Medical
Definition
Meaning
A small, almond-shaped gland in the upper outer part of each eye orbit that produces the watery portion of tears.
In anatomy, the primary exocrine gland responsible for lacrimation (tear production) and keeping the ocular surface lubricated, protected, and clear of irritants. Its function is a key part of the lacrimal apparatus.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is primarily anatomical and medical. It refers specifically to the biological structure. The related adjective 'lacrimal' pertains to tears. Do not confuse with 'lacrimal duct' or 'lacrimal sac', which are parts of the drainage system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling difference: BrE commonly uses 'lacrimal' /ˈlæk.rɪ.məl/, while AmE also accepts and frequently uses the spelling 'lachrymal' /ˈlæk.rɪ.məl/. 'Lacrimal' is the standard international anatomical term.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. The older spelling 'lachrymal' can sometimes appear in more literary or historical contexts in both variants.
Frequency
In modern professional medical contexts (surgery, ophthalmology, anatomy), 'lacrimal' is far more frequent globally, including in the UK. 'Lachrymal' persists in some general reference texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [ADJ] lacrimal gland [VERB] tears.[VERB] the lacrimal gland.[PREP] the lacrimal gland.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in anatomy, physiology, ophthalmology, and medical research texts. e.g., 'The study examined neural innervation of the lacrimal gland.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. A person might say 'my tear duct is blocked' but would almost never refer to the 'lacrimal gland' in casual conversation.
Technical
The primary context. Used in medical diagnoses, surgical reports, ophthalmology consultations, and anatomical descriptions. e.g., 'MRI shows asymmetry of the lacrimal glands.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The gland lacrimates continuously to moisten the eye.
American English
- The gland lacrimates continuously to moisten the eye.
adjective
British English
- She has a lacrimal gland disorder.
- The lacrimal apparatus includes the gland and ducts.
American English
- She has a lacrimal gland disorder.
- The lacrimal apparatus includes the gland and ducts.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- If you cry, your lacrimal gland is very active.
- The doctor said the problem was with my tear gland.
- Inflammation of the lacrimal gland can cause swelling near the eyebrow.
- The lacrimal gland secretes tears in response to irritation or emotion.
- Sjögren's syndrome often involves lymphocytic infiltration of the lacrimal and salivary glands, leading to dryness.
- Advanced imaging allows precise visualisation of the lacrimal gland's parenchyma and any pathological changes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'LACRImal' contains 'LACRIme' which is Italian for 'tears'. So, the LACRIMAL GLAND is the 'tear-making' gland.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not commonly metaphorized. Literally a 'factory' or 'source' (of tears).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'gland' as 'железа' without the specific anatomical context, as it could be mistaken for other glands.
- The Russian term 'слезная железа' is a precise equivalent. Ensure 'lacrimal' is not confused with 'лимфатический' (lymphatic).
Common Mistakes
- Mispronouncing 'lacrimal' with a hard 'c' (like 'lake'). Correct is a soft 'c' as in 'lack'.
- Confusing 'lacrimal gland' (produces tears) with 'lacrimal duct' or 'nasolacrimal duct' (drains tears).
- Using 'lacrimal gland' in everyday language instead of simpler terms like 'tear duct' (which is incorrect for the gland).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the lacrimal gland?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The lacrimal gland *produces* tears. The tear ducts (lacrimal canals, nasolacrimal duct) are a drainage *system* that carries excess tears from the eye's surface into the nose.
Typically, you cannot feel a healthy lacrimal gland. It is located behind the bone of the upper outer eye socket. If it becomes inflamed or enlarged (e.g., due to infection or tumour), it may cause a noticeable swelling or tenderness in that area.
We have one lacrimal gland for each eye to provide a constant, balanced supply of basal tears for lubrication and protective reflex tears in response to irritation or injury specific to each eye.
'Lacrimal' is an adjective derived from the Latin 'lacrima', meaning 'tear'. It is used to describe anatomical structures related to tear production and drainage, such as the lacrimal gland, lacrimal bone, and lacrimal sac.