Medial Palpebral Commissure

Description

Centered on the medial canthus, the upper and lower eyelids converge at the medial palpebral commissure, with the eyelid margins curving posteriorly toward the lacrimal lake. Just medial to the palpebral fissure, the lacrimal caruncle sits in the lacus lacrimalis, bordered laterally by the plica semilunaris of the conjunctiva. Along the free margins, the superior and inferior lacrimal puncta lie near the medial ends of the tarsal plates, positioned to drain tears into the canaliculi that course inferomedially toward the lacrimal sac. Skin texture and periocular contour are rendered over the underlying orbicularis oculi and medial palpebral ligament (medial canthal tendon), which anchors the lids to the anterior lacrimal crest. Medial canthal anatomy is where cosmetic proportions meet lacrimal function, and small spatial errors matter. Canalicular lacerations from dog bites, glass injuries, or eyelid margin trauma often occur within a few millimeters of the punctum, so this view supports teaching why early recognition and monocanalicular or bicanalicular stenting preserves tear drainage. It also aligns with common oculoplastics planning, including medial canthoplasty and lower lid blepharoplasty, where respecting the medial canthal tendon and the lacrimal drainage apparatus reduces postoperative epiphora and malposition. Use this rendering in ophthalmology and head and neck anatomy teaching when you need a clear external correlate for the lacrimal puncta, caruncle, and medial eyelid apposition, and in clinical education materials on epiphora, dacryocystitis, or canalicular repair. It also fits dermatology and facial plastics publications discussing periocular landmarks across skin of color. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.