Which structure receives tears first after leaving the puncta?

Which structure receives tears first after leaving the puncta?

• A. Canaliculi
• B. Lacrimal sac
• C. Nasolacrimal duct
• D. Inferior meatus of the nose

Answer: (A)

Tears drain from the puncta into the canaliculi—the tiny, medial lid channels that collect fluid coming from the puncta. There are both superior and inferior canaliculi, and they carry the tears toward the lacrimal sac. This makes the canaliculi the first structure tears encounter after leaving the puncta. From there, tears move into the lacrimal sac, then down the nasolacrimal duct into the inferior meatus of the nose. So the canaliculi are the initial recipients, while the others are subsequent stations in the drainage pathway.

Tears drain from the puncta into the canaliculi—the tiny, medial lid channels that collect fluid coming from the puncta. There are both superior and inferior canaliculi, and they carry the tears toward the lacrimal sac. This makes the canaliculi the first structure tears encounter after leaving the puncta. From there, tears move into the lacrimal sac, then down the nasolacrimal duct into the inferior meatus of the nose. So the canaliculi are the initial recipients, while the others are subsequent stations in the drainage pathway.