Useless fact
What is the pink bump in the corner of your eye?
The small, pink nodule at the inner corner of the human eye is anatomically called the lacrimal caruncle.
The lacrimal caruncle is a small, pink, globular nodule located in the inner corner of the eye. Anatomically, this structure consists of both skin and sebaceous or sweat glands, which is why it can sometimes grow small hairs or produce secretions. It is an evolutionary remnant of the nictitating membrane, or the third eyelid, which is still functional in many animals like birds, reptiles, and sharks to protect and moisten the eye without blocking vision. While humans no longer need this third eyelid to sweep across the eyeball, the caruncle remains as a vestigial structure. It contributes to the drainage of tears and helps trap debris, keeping the ocular surface clean. The term itself is derived from the Latin word caruncula, meaning a small piece of flesh. Although most people notice this pink spot daily when looking in the mirror, few are aware of its evolutionary history or its anatomical name, as it is often simply referred to as the corner of the eye.
Why this is true — The term is defined as the small, red nodule at the inner corner of the eye by major medical resources and dictionaries.
Sources
- Anatomy, Head and Neck, Eye Lacrimal Caruncle StatPearls Publishing