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We have tears all the time, that's what keeps our eyes moist. So why is it that when we're sad (or overly happy) we cry and produce more?

2006-11-27 09:38:18 · 13 answers · asked by KayLyn 2 in Health Other - Health

I wasn't asking what MAKES you cry. I'm not an idiot. I want to know what triggers the body to produce more tears when you're sad.

2006-11-27 11:34:39 · update #1

13 answers

When you get real sad, little elves that live in your eyes turn on little valves inside your eyes and that's how tears happen.

2006-11-27 09:42:15 · answer #1 · answered by Docta Jones 4 · 0 0

There are three very basic types of tears:

Basal tears: In healthy mammalian eyes, the cornea is continually kept wet and nourished by basal tears. They lubricate the eye and help to keep it clear of dust. Tear fluid contains water, mucin, lipids, lysozyme, lactoferrin, lipocalin, lacritin, immunoglobulins, glucose, urea, sodium, and potassium. Some of the substances in lacrimal fluid fight against bacterial infection as a part of the immune system.
Reflex tears: The second type of tears results from irritation to the eye by foreign particles, or substances such as onion vapors, tear gas or pepper spray. These reflex tears attempt to wash out irritants that may have come into contact with the eye.
Crying or weeping: The third category, generally referred to as crying or weeping, is increased lacrimation due to strong emotional stress, depression or physical pain. This practice is not restricted to negative emotions; many people have been known to cry when extremely happy or when they are laughing. In humans, emotional tears can be accompanied by reddening of the face and sobbing — cough-like, convulsive breathing, sometimes involving spasms of the whole upper body. Tears brought about by emotions have a different chemical make up than those for lubrication.

2006-11-27 09:53:24 · answer #2 · answered by Twisted Maggie 6 · 1 0

Scenes like those in United 93, or of the World Trade Center, or of our fellow US citizens starving on the I-10 ramp in New Orleans.

2006-11-27 09:40:37 · answer #3 · answered by nottashygirl 6 · 0 0

Stress
Moments of lost loved ones!
Anger

It's a great release mechanism, hence stress relief in how much i actually cry is then dependant on how many tears i shed...really stressed, really tearful!!!

2006-11-27 09:47:37 · answer #4 · answered by untanuta 5 · 0 0

when you are feeling extremely sad or even really happy, your brain needs to find a way to release the build up of chemicals so that is why you cry

2006-11-27 09:43:16 · answer #5 · answered by piratelove22 2 · 0 0

see...these are the things i just dont know of!!! some times ppl cry because they want to or soem thign they remember just breaks them out in tears...like i do.

2006-11-27 09:40:33 · answer #6 · answered by just_a_girl 2 · 0 0

the words to a some songs

2006-11-27 09:45:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

over load of emotions cause tears.

2006-11-27 09:39:17 · answer #8 · answered by Angel Eve 6 · 1 0

people that are dieing or a really sad story...seeing people in pain.

2006-11-27 09:40:22 · answer #9 · answered by Evilbunnyfarts 2 · 0 0

Angel Eve is right (and hot)

2006-11-27 09:39:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

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