Infection of the lacrimal sac is called what?

• A. Dacryocystitis
• B. Dacryoadenitis
• C. Conjunctivitis
• D. Blepharitis

Answer: (A)

The key idea is naming infections by the part of the tear drainage system involved. When the lacrimal sac itself is infected, the condition is called dacryocystitis. This distinguishes it from other lacrimal- or eyelid-related inflammations: dacryoadenitis is inflammation of the lacrimal gland, conjunctivitis affects the conjunctiva, and blepharitis involves the eyelid margins. Clinically, dacryocystitis often presents with tenderness and swelling over the medial lower eyelid where the lacrimal sac sits, sometimes with purulent discharge and fever, especially in the acute form. Understanding the anatomy of tear drainage helps you see why the term fits this location and why the others refer to different structures.