The nasolacrimal duct opens into which part of the nasal cavity?
- A Inferior meatus ✓
- B Middle meatus
- C Superior meatus
- D Sphenoethmoidal recess
Correct answer: A. Inferior meatus
Explanation
The nasolacrimal duct drains tears from the lacrimal sac and opens into the inferior meatus on the lateral nasal wall under the inferior turbinate. The opening is partially covered by a mucosal fold (valve of Hasner). This is why excess tearing in chronic rhinosinusitis may occur and why maxillary sinus surgery near the lateral wall risks injury to the duct.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.