Definition

Noun 1. A small membranous sac: Specifically, either of the two dilated ends of the lacrimal (tear) ducts located at the inner corner of each eye, near the nose. These sacs serve as reservoirs that collect tears secreted by the lacrimal glands before the tears drain into the nasal cavity.

Usage

The term "tear sac" is a common, non-technical name for a specific anatomical structure. It is used primarily in medical, biological, and general descriptive contexts. - It functions as a reservoir for tears. - Blockage or infection of the tear sac can lead to medical conditions.

Examples

• Noun:
  • A blocked tear sac can cause excessive tearing and recurrent eye infections.
  • The doctor explained that the inflammation was in the tear sac, not the gland itself.

Advanced Usage

• Medical Context: In ophthalmology and anatomy, the term is often used when explaining conditions like dacryocystitis (infection of the tear sac) or nasolacrimal duct obstruction to patients in simpler language.
  • The infant's congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction required gentle massage of the tear sac to open the passage.

Variants and Related Words

• Lacrimal sac: This is the more precise anatomical and medical term for "tear sac." The two terms are synonymous.
  • The lacrimal sac is part of the system that drains tears from the eye.
• Dacryocyst: A less common medical term derived from Greek, also referring to the tear sac.
  • Dacryocystitis is the medical term for an inflamed dacryocyst.

Synonyms

• Lacrimal sac: The direct technical synonym.
• Dacryocyst: A formal synonym used in specialized medical terminology.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Nasolacrimal duct: The duct that connects the tear sac to the nasal cavity, allowing tears to drain.
  • Tears flow from the tear sac down the nasolacrimal duct.
• Dacryocystitis: The medical condition denoting infection or inflammation of the tear sac.
  • Acute dacryocystitis often presents with pain and swelling over the tear sac.

Noun

1. either of the two dilated ends of the lacrimal ducts at the nasal ends of the eyes that fill with tears secreted by the lacrimal glands