Lacrimal System

The lacrimal (tear) system is a miniature drainage network which helps drain tears from the eyes down into the nose.

From the surface of the eye, the tears flow along the edge of the lids toward the nose. Just before reaching the corner of the eye, the tears are pumped into two tiny drain tubes, and then into a larger tube which carries the tears into the nose. This explains why crying often causes one to blow one's nose or that we get a salty taste in our throat.