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Lacrimal gland

The lacrimal gland is a vital exocrine gland of the orbit responsible for producing the aqueous layer of the tear film, crucial for eye lubrication and protection. Situated in the superolateral aspect of the orbit, it is anatomically divided into orbital and palpebral lobes. The gland plays a pivotal role in ocular surface health and immune defense. Accurate identification and characterization of the lacrimal gland on imaging are important for diagnosing various orbital and systemic conditions.

Synonyms

  • Tear gland

  • Glandula lacrimalis

  • Orbital lacrimal gland

Function

  • Secretion of the aqueous component of the tear film

  • Lubricates the ocular surface, protecting against dryness and irritants

  • Contains immunoglobulins, contributing to local immune defense

  • Facilitates drainage of tears through the lacrimal duct system

MRI Appearance

  • T1-weighted images (T1WI):

    • Lacrimal gland appears as an ovoid, well-defined soft tissue structure

    • Isointense to slightly hypointense relative to extraocular muscles

    • Fatty septations within the gland may show higher signal intensity

  • T2-weighted images (T2WI):

    • The gland appears hyperintense compared to extraocular muscles

    • Homogeneous signal in healthy glands

    • Pathological conditions may show increased signal intensity (edema, inflammation)

  • STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

    • The lacrimal gland is hyperintense (bright) compared to the surrounding orbital fat

    • STIR sequence is useful for detecting inflammation, edema, and masses within the gland

CT Appearance

  • Appears as a well-defined, ovoid soft tissue structure in the superolateral orbit

  • Similar attenuation to extraocular muscles

  • The normal gland does not enhance significantly post-contrast, but mild homogeneous enhancement may be seen

MRI images

Lacrimal gland axial mri image

MRI images

Lacrimal gland