Home > F. Pathology by regions > Head and neck > Head > Face > Orbits > Eyes > Eyelids > Meibomian gland
Meibomian gland
Saturday 9 November 2019
Meibomius gland
| WKP |
Definition: Meibomian glands (often written with a small "m" and also called tarsal glands) are holocrine type exocrine glands, along the rims of the eyelid inside the tarsal plate. They produce meibum, an oily substance that prevents evaporation of the eye’s tear film.
Meibum prevents tears spilling onto the cheek, trapping the tears between the oiled edge and the eyeball, and making the closed lids airtight. There are about 50 glands on the upper eyelid and 25 glands on the lower eyelid.
Images
https://twitter.com/NeuroEyepath/status/1235928028129054721
Pathology
Dysfunctional meibomian glands often cause dry eyes, one of the more common eye conditions.
They may also contribute to blepharitis.
Meibomian cyst
chalazion