Lacrimal caruncle
Caruncula lacrimalis
Sensory (eye & ear)SkinHeadLeft and right
View left in 3D View right in 3D
- What it is
- The small pink, fleshy nodule in the inner corner of the eye, with the crescent-shaped plica semilunaris just lateral to it. It is modified skin carrying fine hairs, sweat and sebaceous glands.
- Function
- Collects debris ("sleep") and helps direct tears towards the puncta.
- Size
- About 5 mm tall and 3 mm wide.
- Clinical note
- The plica semilunaris beside it is a vestige of the nictitating membrane (third eyelid) of other animals.