The Human Nasolacrimal Ducts (Advances in Anatomy, Embryology, and Cell Biology, Vol. 170) (Advances in Anatomy, Embryology and Cell Biology, 170) - Softcover

Paulsen, Friedrich

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3540440763 ISBN 13: 9783540440765

Publisher: Springer, 2002

Synopsis

As a draining and secretory system, the nasolacrimal ducts play a role in tear transport and non-specific immune defense. In this book recent advances about the nasolacrimal ducts have been summarized and discussed in context with nasolacrimal duct pathophysiology. 

About this title

From the Back Cover:

The human nasolacrimal ducts are a borderland of both disciplines opthalmology and otorhinolaryngology which work closely together in the tretament of nasolacrimal disorders. The author summarizes recent advances about the nasolacrimal ducts and discusses them in a context with nasolacrimal duct pathophysiology. As a draining and secretory system  the nasolacrimal ducts play a role in tear transport and non-specific immune defense. Moreover, components of tear fluid are absorbed in the nasolacrimal passage and are transported into a surrounding vascular system. This system is comparable to a cavernous body which is subject to vegetative control. Organized mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is present in the nasolacrimal ducts displaying the cytomorphological and immunophenotypic features of MALT. The normally constant  absorption of tear fluid components into the blood vessels of the surrounding cavernous body  that are connected to the blood vessels of the outer eye could be a feedback signal for tear fluid production, which comes to a halt if these tear components are not absorbed. Thus, dry eye could be initiated. Defective stimulation of tear duct-associated lymphoid tissue could result in abnormal immune deviation at the ocular surface leading to an autoimmunological response that causes dry eye pathology. Moreover, malfunctions in the cavernous body and in its innervation may lead to disturbances in the tear outflow cycle, ocular congestions or total occlusion of the lacrimal passage. Based on the findings the pathomechanism of primary acquired dacryostenosis can be explained.  

About this edition

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 3540440763
• ISBN 13: 9783540440765
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 117