Quick Facts
The tarsal glands are sebaceous follicles between the tarsi and the conjunctiva of the eyelids (Dorland, 2011).
Related parts of the anatomy
Structure and/or Key Feature(s)
The tarsal glands are elongated sebaceous glands embedded within the tarsal plates. The glands are arranged parallel to each other and perpendicular to the margin of the eyelid. The superior eyelid contains 25-35 tarsal sebaceous glands, while the inferior eyelid contains 15-25.
Each gland consists of a straight tube that opens on the free palpebral margin at minute orifices. Muscle fibers arising from the palpebral part of the orbicularis oculi muscle are arranged concentrically around the orifices of the ducts (Riolan muscles). This arrangement of muscle around the opening of the ducts may close them or aid in the release of secretions from the ducts.
Anatomical Relations
The tarsal glands are embedded within the tarsal plate. Their openings are just posterior to the row of cilia that form the eyelashes.
Function
The tarsal sebaceous glands produce oily secretions that spread over the palpebral margins. This helps in reducing evaporation contributing to the stability of the tear film that covers the anterior surface of the eyeball. The oily secretion increases the surface tension of the tear fluid and preventing spillage of tears onto the face.
List of Clinical Correlates
—Stye (external hordeolum)
References
Dorland, W. (2011) Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 32nd edn. Philadelphia, USA: Elsevier Saunders.
List of Clinical Correlates
—Stye (external hordeolum)
