Usually, the superior and inferior lacrimal canaliculi join to form a common passage that enters the lateral wall of the lacrimal sac.

The superior lacrimal canaliculus is located in the upper eyelid.

The inferior lacrimal canaliculus is located in the lower eyelid.

The lacrimal canaliculi have a mucosa composed of a non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium on a basement membrane and a highly elastic lamina propria.

Surrounding the mucosa are skeletal muscle fibres continuous with the orbicularis oculi which forms a sort of sphincter.