Final answer:
The lacrimal apparatus includes the lacrimal gland, lacrimal ducts, lacrimal puncta, lacrimal sac, nasolacrimal ducts, and the conjunctiva, all working together to produce, distribute, and drain tears from the eye to the nasal cavity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lacrimal apparatus is an essential component of the eye involved in the production and drainage of tears. The primary components of the lacrimal apparatus include the lacrimal gland, which is situated above the eye and secrets tears to keep the eye moist; the lacrimal ducts, which transport tears from the gland to the eye surfaces;
the lacrimal puncta, which are small openings at the inner corners of the upper and lower eyelids for tear drainage; the lacrimal sac or dacrocyst, serving as a reservoir for collected tears; and the nasolacrimal ducts, which convey tears from the lacrimal sac into the nasal cavity.
The tears flow over the conjunctiva, a thin membrane that connects the eyelids to the eyeball, before entering the nasolacrimal duct and eventually reaching the nasal cavity, where they are drained.