The tarsal plate refers to a thick fold of connective tissue that serves as a support to the eyelids. A row of tarsal glands is embedded in each tarsal plate. Tarsal glands are elongated modified sebaceous glands. Also known as meibomian glands, they secrete a fluid that helps keep the eyelids from adhering to each other. These glands do not produce tears. Tears are produced by lacrimal glands present in the lacrimal apparatus.
