In Vivo and Cadaver Studies of the Canalicular/Lacrimal Sac Mucosal Folds

Purpose. the study aimed to investigate canalicular/lacrimal sac mucosal folds (cls-mfs) in vivo and in cadavers in order to explore their functional roles in the lacrimal drainage system. method. the observations of cls-mfs in vivo were performed on 16 patients with chronic dacryocystitis after undergoing an endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (ee-dcr). the lacrimal sacs and common canaliculi of 19 adult cadavers were dissected. the opening/closing of an orifice and mucosal fold was recorded. all of the specimens were subjected to a histological examination. results. the upper and lower lacrimal canaliculi in all of the samples united to form a common canaliculus that opened to the lacrimal sac. cls-mfs were observed in 10 of the 16 patients (62.5%) and 9 of the 19 cadavers (47.4%). the orifices or mucosal folds could be opened or closed when related muscles contracted or relaxed. histological sections showed a mucosal fold at one side of an orifice. conclusion. common canaliculus is the most common type that the canaliculus opens to lacrimal sac. cls-mfs exist in a certain ratio that can be opened/closed with the movement of the orifices. they may be involved in the drainage of tears or the pathogenesis of acute dacryocystitis or lacrimal sac mucocele. © 2016 yongsheng you et al.