VETEEINAEY OPHTHALMOLOGY. 39 



the superior fornix of the conjunctiva. Secretion is 

 alkaline, moistens anterior surface of the eye, passing 

 off by means of the puncta, canaliculi, lachrymal sac 

 and nasal duct to the nose. The puncta are two 

 openings of the canaliculi, at the inner canuhus, a short 

 distance from the commissure. Function, to collect the 

 tears. The canaliculi extend from the puncta to the 

 lachrymal sac, and these canaliculi join before reach- 

 ing the lachrymal sac. The lachrymal sac is the 

 upper dilated portion of the nasal duct, which is situ- 

 ated in a groove or osseous canal in the lachrymal bone. 

 Terminates between the two turbinated bones. The 

 balance of the canal is under the nasal mucous mem- 

 brane, passes to inner surface of outer wing of the 

 nostril, terminating by an orifice (sometimes two) 

 toward the lower commissure, where the line of de- 

 marcation between the skin and rosy mucous mem- 

 brane presents. 



The tears are forced into the excretory passage by 

 muscular action and some kind of suction caused 

 by the muscular fibers of the puncta and canali- 

 culi. 



Dacryoadenitis. — Very rare indeed. Symptoms of 

 the acute form are great swelling and redness of the 

 upper lid at its outer angle. The gland will be pushed 

 out of its fossa downwards, by the inflammation and 

 swelling, and may be recognized on everting the lid. 

 The swelling may be so great as to displace the globe 



