lacrimal gland

one of a pair of GLANDS , situated above and to the side of each EYE , that secrete saline and slightly alkaline tears that moisten the conjunctiva (the MUCOUS MEMBRANE lining the inside of the eyelid). The glands comprise parts of the lacrimal apparatus, the remainder being the lacrimal ducts (or canaliculi) through which the tears drain to the lacrimal sacs and the nasal cavity.