[The lacrimal ducts and maxillofacial traumatology (author's transl)]

Microscopic study of the human lacrimal ducts places the emphasis on the delicacy and complexity of the relations between the lacrimal muscle and the mobile lacrimal tubular system. The fixed part of the lacrimal ducts (nasolacrimal duct) contracts with the anterior pillar of the face, a fixed relation which inevitably exposes this part to lesions by shearing in the case of anterior maxillofacial trauma. The proximity of the nasolacrimal duct to the piriform cover is such that the duct may be approached surgically by trepanation of the anterior bony surface of the anterior pillar of the face.