Lacrimal bone

Function

The smallest and most fragile facial bone. Its groove with the maxilla forms the nasolacrimal canal that drains tears from the eye into the nasal cavity — the reason crying causes a runny nose.

Landmarks

• Lacrimal groove
• Posterior lacrimal crest
• Hamulus

Articulations (joints)

• Frontal bone
• Maxilla
• Ethmoid bone
• Inferior nasal concha

Clinical relevance

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction can lead to dacryocystitis — a painful swollen sac below the medial canthus; dacryocystorhinostomy bypasses the blocked duct.