The lacrimal artery arises close to the optic foramen, and is one of the largest branches derived from the ophthalmic artery: not infrequently it is given off before the artery enters the orbit. It accompanies the lacrimal nerve along the upper border of the Lateral Rectus, supplies the lacrimal gland. [WP,unvetted]. [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lacrimal_artery ]