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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2018 Apr 1.
Published in final edited form as: Int Ophthalmol Clin. 2017 Spring;57(2):109–118. doi: 10.1097/IIO.0000000000000169

Figure 1.

Figure 1

This is a depiction of the Lacrimal Functional Unit (LFU). This is the mechanism by which a normal tear film environment is maintained on the ocular surface. 1 — (yellow) Stimulation of the ocular surface epithelium and nerve endings results in afferent nerve traffic through the ophthalmic branch of the Trigeminal Nerve (V1). 2 — Integration of this signal within the central nervous system (both autonomic and cortical). 3— (red- sympathetic, yellow-parasympathetic) Efferent nerve traffic through the Facial Nerve (VII) to innervate the lacrimal glands (main and accessory), meibomian glands and conjunctival goblet cells.