VASCULAR ANATOMY OF THE LACRIMAL GLAND

This study was undertaken to establish the detailed vascular architect ure of the lacrimal gland. The common carotid arteries of seven fresh human cadaver heads were injected with a compound consisting of a part ially polymerized monomer, to which a catalyst and promoter were added to cause hardening. The soft tissue was then digested, using 40% pota ssium hydroxide, to obtain detailed casts of the lacrimal artery. The authors describe the anatomy of 14 cadaver lacrimal arteries from thei r entrance into the lacrimal gland to their terminal conjunctival bran ches. Consistent vascular patterns within the lacrimal gland were obse rved. A better understanding of the vascular anatomy of the lacrimal g land should allow modification of surgical techniques to reduce bleedi ng during biopsy or excision of the lacrimal gland.