Vascular anatomy of the lacrimal gland.
This study was undertaken to establish the detailed vascular architecture of the lacrimal gland. The common carotid arteries of seven fresh human cadaver heads were injected with a compound consisting of a partially polymerized monomer, to which a catalyst and promoter were added to cause hardening. The soft tissue was then digested, using 40% potassium hydroxide, to obtain detailed casts of the lacrimal artery. The authors describe the anatomy of 14 cadaver lacrimal arteries from their entrance into the lacrimal gland to their terminal conjunctival branches. Consistent vascular patterns within the lacrimal gland were observed. A better understanding of the vascular anatomy of the lacrimal gland should allow modification of surgical techniques to reduce bleeding during biopsy or excision of the lacrimal gland.
Tucker
S M
SM
Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield 62794-9230, USA.
Lambert
R W
RW
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002102:Cadaver; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000098:blood supply; D016319:Corrosion Casting; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000098:blood supply*; D009880:Ophthalmic Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology*