Epiphora & lagopthalmous following VII nerve injury is due to-
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the understanding of the anatomical and physiological relationship between the facial nerve (VII) and the lacrimal gland, as well as the clinical consequences of VII nerve injury. The facial nerve is responsible for controlling the orbicularis oculi muscle, which plays a key role in tear drainage, and also has a sympathetic component that helps regulate tear secretion.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the concept of **lacrimal pump mechanism**. The lacrimal pump is a mechanism that helps to drain tears from the eye into the nasal cavity. This mechanism relies on the coordinated contraction and relaxation of the orbicularis oculi muscle, which is innervated by the facial nerve. When the facial nerve is injured, the orbicularis oculi muscle is paralyzed, leading to a failure of the lacrimal pump mechanism. As a result, tears are unable to drain properly, causing epiphora (excessive tearing). Additionally, the lack of sympathetic innervation to the eye leads to a decrease in tear secretion, contributing to lagophthalmos (inability to close the eyelid).
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is not directly related to the consequences of VII nerve injury on tear drainage and secretion.
* **Option B:** This option may be tempting, but the correct answer is more specific to the lacrimal pump mechanism and the consequences of VII nerve injury on tear drainage and secretion.
* **Option D:** This option is not relevant to the consequences of VII nerve injury on tear drainage and secretion.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The lacrimal pump mechanism is a critical component of normal tear drainage, and its failure can lead to significant morbidity, including epiphora and lagophthalmos. Remember that the facial nerve plays a crucial role in regulating tear drainage and secretion, and injury to this nerve can have significant consequences for eye health.
**Correct Answer:** C. Failure of lacrimal pump mechanism.