The lacrimal artery is classically described as a branch of the ophthalmic artery supplied by the internal carotid. In this study, 25 orbits were dissected to identify variations in glandular branching and to compare them to previously published accounts. The glandular branching patterns of the lacrimal artery fall into two categories, those that branch (56%) and those that do not branch (44%). We found the medial and lateral glandular branches to be equal in diameter with a divergence of 2.67-40.58 mm proximal to the gland parenchyma. The long glandular branches run alongside the superolateral aspect of the orbit. The lateral branch runs lateral to the lateral rectus muscle. The medial branch runs superomedial to the lateral rectus muscle and lateral to the superior rectus muscle. In relation to the lacrimal gland, the medial branch enters the superior aspect of the gland parenchyma and the lateral branch enters its inferior aspect. The average branch lengths were 17.88 mm (medial) and 13.51 mm (lateral) as measured with a Mitutoyo Absolute 1/100 mm caliper. We could not confirm the existence of a third branch supplying the lacrimal gland, as posited by other authors. The key finding in this study is that the lacrimal gland is predominantly supplied by two significant arterial branches, both of which must be identified during procedures involving the lateral orbit.

Parasympathetic stimulation of the lacrimal gland is responsible for tear production, and this innervation originates from fibers conveyed in the facial nerve. After synapse in the pterygopalatine ganglion, postsynaptic parasympathetic fibers travel within the zygomatic and zygomaticotemporal nerves (ZTN) into the orbit. As described in most anatomy texts, ZTN communicates with the lacrimal nerve (LN) posterior to the gland and then secretomotor fibers enter the gland. This study was performed to gain a better understanding of the innervation of the lacrimal gland. Seventeen cadaver heads were bisected for a total of 34 sides, which then underwent dissection of the superolateral orbital region to observe the course for the LN and ZTN. Three variations of the course of the LN and ZTN were found. In 20 (60.6%) dissections it was documented that the ZTN entered directly into the lacrimal gland with no communication with the LN. In 12 (36.4%) of the bisected heads, ZTN had both a direct connection into the gland and a communicating branch with the LN. In only one (3.0%) bisected head, ZTN communicated with the LN before entering the gland as it is commonly described in anatomy texts. Our study reveals that the ZTN usually takes a different course than is classically described in most anatomy textbooks. A greater understanding of the typical course these nerves take may help surgeons identify them more easily and avoid damaging them.

The Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in El Paso, Texas seated its inaugural class in 2009 and introduced a highly-integrated pre-clinical curriculum that provides our students with a solid introduction to the scientific principles of medicine, medical skills, early clinical experiences, ethics and professionalism. To further enhance their undergraduate training, all students additionally complete a scholarly concentration requirement called the Scholarly Activity and Research Program (SARP). Students can choose a wide variety of topics for this facultymentored activity; however, about two-thirds of the students choose projects relating to basic, clinical or translational research. To broaden the on-campus opportunities for students in these areas we have developed a research laboratory, called the Laboratory for Education in Molecular Medicine (LEMM), that is fully-dedicated for mentored SARP projects. This 'community' laboratory is housed in the Department of Medical Education and represents a unique model for the establishment and development of viable research projects. We discuss the evolution of the LEMM, its current organization and the challenges and opportunities in maintaining and growing this valuable resource.

MedEdPORTAL® is the journal of teaching and learning resources published by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) in partnership with the American Dental Education Association (ADEA).

Documentation of contributions from infraorbital artery to branches of the ophthalmic artery are lacking with respect to the orbit. While there have been sources that suggest anastomoses between the infraorbital artery and ophthalmic artery within the orbit, there has been no clear consensus on the location and significance of these anastomoses. This study aimed to identify and track the course of the infraorbital artery within the orbit and its possible anastomoses and supply to the orbit. Cadaveric analysis of 19 individuals (38 orbits) revealed a common pattern of anastomosis between the infraorbital and inferior palpebral arteries (95%; 89% bilaterally) as well as course to the lacrimal sac (91%; 73% bilaterally). These findings demonstrate the significance of infraorbital artery supply with respect to the inferior orbit as well as the lacrimal sac, which can prove clinically useful, such as in the context of surgical repair of orbital trauma.