What is "lacrimal artery"

n. an artery that originates from the ophthalmic artery and supplies the lacrimal gland and rectal eye muscles and the upper eyelid and the forehead [syn: arteria lacrimalis]

The lacrimal artery arises close to the optic foramen, and is one of the largest branches derived from the ophthalmic artery. Not infrequently it is given off before the artery enters the orbit.

It accompanies the lacrimal nerve along the upper border of the lateral rectus and supplies the lacrimal gland.