Krause's glands or Krause glands are small, mucous

accessory lacrimal glands Krause's glands and Wolfring's glands (or Ciaccio's glands) are the accessory lacrimal glands of the lacrimal system of human eye. These glands are structurally and histologically similar to the Lacrimal gland, main lacrimal gland. Glands of Krau ...

that are found underneath the

eyelid An eyelid ( ) is a thin fold of skin that covers and protects an eye. The levator palpebrae superioris muscle retracts the eyelid, exposing the cornea to the outside, giving vision. This can be either voluntarily or involuntarily. "Palpebral ...

where the upper and lower

conjunctiva In the anatomy of the eye, the conjunctiva (: conjunctivae) is a thin mucous membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the sclera (the white of the eye). It is composed of non-keratinized, stratified squamous epithelium with gobl ...

e meet. Their ducts unite into a rather long sinus which open into the fornix conjunctiva. There are approximately forty Krause glands in the region of the upper eyelid, and around 6 to 8 in the region of the lower lid. The function of these glands are to produce

tears Tears are a clear liquid secreted by the lacrimal glands (tear gland) found in the eyes of all land mammals. Tears are made up of water, electrolytes, proteins, lipids, and mucins that form layers on the surface of eyes. The different types of ...

which are secreted onto the surface of the conjunctiva. There are rare instances of

tumor A neoplasm () is a type of abnormal and excessive growth of tissue. The process that occurs to form or produce a neoplasm is called neoplasia. The growth of a neoplasm is uncoordinated with that of the normal surrounding tissue, and persists ...

s associated with Krause's glands. They usually occur as retention

cyst A cyst is a closed sac, having a distinct envelope and division compared with the nearby tissue. Hence, it is a cluster of cells that have grouped together to form a sac (like the manner in which water molecules group together to form a bubb ...

s in cicatricial conditions of the conjunctiva. Krause's glands are named after German

anatomist Anatomy () is the branch of morphology concerned with the study of the internal structure of organisms and their parts. Anatomy is a branch of natural science that deals with the structural organization of living things. It is an old scien ...

Karl Friedrich Theodor Krause Karl Friedrich Theodor Krause (15 December 1797 – 8 June 1868) was a German anatomist born in Hanover. In 1818 he received his medical doctorate from the University of Göttingen, and later attained the chair of anatomy at the surgical school in ...

(1797–1868). The development of retention cysts in these glands is a phenomenon that requires close monitoring and appropriate medical intervention to prevent potential complications. Understanding the anatomical significance of Krause's glands and their potential involvement in tumorous growths is crucial for healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating ocular conditions effectively. In clinical practice, identifying and addressing any abnormalities related to Krause's glands can aid in providing comprehensive care for patients with cicatricial conjunctival disorders. As researchers continue to explore the complexities of ocular anatomy and pathology, further insights into the interplay between Krause's glands and tumors offer valuable contributions to the field of ophthalmology and medical science as a whole.

See also

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Further reading