Which term denotes the openings that allow tears to drain from the eyelid surface into the lacrimal drainage system?

• A. Pupil
• B. Pseudoguttae
• C. Puncta
• D. Rosette

Answer: (C)

Tears drain from the surface of the eyelids through the puncta. These are tiny openings at the inner margins of the upper and lower eyelids near the medial canthus. Tears enter the puncta and travel through the canaliculi into the lacrimal sac and then down the nasolacrimal duct to the nasal cavity. The pupil is the opening in the iris for light, while pseudoguttae and rosette are not involved in tear drainage.