TARSAL GLANDS Meaning and
Definition
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Tarsal glands refer to the small oil-producing glands located along the eyelid margins in humans and certain other mammals. These glands are found on the inner surface of the eyelids and open near the base of the eyelashes. Tarsal glands are crucial in maintaining the health and lubrication of the eyes.
The primary function of tarsal glands is to produce a secretion known as meibum. Meibum is an oily substance that helps prevent the evaporation of tears from the surface of the eye. It also aids in keeping the tear film stable and preventing excessive tearing.
The meibum secreted by tarsal glands consists of various lipids, such as waxes and cholesterol esters, as well as proteins. This combination of lipids and proteins forms a protective layer on the surface of the eye, preventing excessive tear evaporation and providing essential lubrication to the eyelids during blinking.
In addition to its lubricating properties, the meibum also possesses antimicrobial properties, helping to prevent eye infections. It aids in preventing the growth of pathogenic microorganisms on the surface of the eye, thus maintaining ocular health.
Tarsal gland dysfunction or blockage can lead to an eye condition known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD is characterized by an insufficient or altered production of meibum, resulting in symptoms such as dry eyes, eye irritation, redness, and blurred vision. Treatments for MGD aim to restore the functionality of tarsal glands and address the underlying causes of the dysfunction.
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Meibomian glands, glandulae tarsales.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TARSAL GLANDS
- rarsal glands
- farsal glands
- garsal glands
- yarsal glands
- 6arsal glands
- 5arsal glands
- tzrsal glands
- tsrsal glands
- twrsal glands
- tqrsal glands
- taesal glands
- tadsal glands
- tafsal glands
- tatsal glands
- ta5sal glands
- ta4sal glands
- taraal glands
- tarzal glands
- tarxal glands
- tardal glands
Etymology of TARSAL GLANDS
The word "tarsal" is derived from the Latin word "tarsus", which refers to the ankle bone or the eyelid lining. The term "tarsal glands" combines this root with the word "glands", which comes from the Latin word "glandula", meaning a small organ that produces substances for specific purposes. Thus, "tarsal glands" refers to the small glands found in the eyelids near the tarsus bone. These glands secrete an oily substance called meibum, which helps to lubricate the surface of the eye and prevent tear evaporation.
Similar spelling word for TARSAL GLANDS
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