Obviously I am aware that we cry when we are upset or really happy, but why do "emotional" tears (those whose function is not to just lubricate the eyes) form? Does this type serve any purpose??
2007-01-05 01:50:34 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Crying is a more complicated process than one would at first imagine. First of all, there are really three different types of tears. Basal tears keep our eyes lubricated constantly. Reflex tears are produced when our eyes get irritated, like with onions or when something gets into our eyes. The third kind of tear is produced when the body reacts emotionally to something. Each type of tear contains different amounts of chemical proteins and hormones. The emotional tears contain higher levels of manganese and the hormone prolactin, and this contributes in a reduction of both of these in the body; thus helping to keep depression away. Many people have found that crying actually calms them after being upset, and this is in part due to the chemicals and hormones that are released in the tears.
How then actually do we cry? The psychic tears (or emotional tears) require an emotional response, or trigger to be activated. This response can be caused by an outside source, either pain or loss of love, etc., or from an inside source (self-realization of one's life and others). When emotions affect us, the nervous system stimulates the cranial nerve, in the brain and this sends signals to the neurotransmitters to the tear glands. Thus, we cry .The largest tear gland, the lacrimal gland produces the tears of emotion and reflex. Many believe that the body, in times of emotional stress, depends on this gland to release excess amounts of chemicals and hormones, returning it to a stable state.
There are many culturally acceptable reasons to cry in society .The first accepted reason to cry is probably death. Grieving includes crying and often times it was believed that if someone did not cry, they would suffer physically because they did not release their pain. Experiences in life and love are other reasons society allows us to cry. Women have been allowed to cry more than men traditionally, but the benefits of crying seem to suggest that men need to cry more.
2007-01-05 02:08:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes we are just overcome with emotion and need a way to release (or express,to ourselves) the feeling deep down inside us. No... tears are not only natures way to lubricate our eyes, but can be a balm and healing source for our very souls. We were intrically designed by our Maker. The bible says, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made". There are those who say there is no God. When I consider all these things, I say, "There is, indeed a most wonderful God."
2007-01-05 10:10:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever cried when your eyes were dry? It makes your eyes hurt. It is a response to lubricate your eyes in that emotional time to keep your eyes moist.
2007-01-05 10:08:34 · answer #3 · answered by rbarc 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Crying actually releases a chemical into the body that relieves stress and makes us feel better. That's all I know. I remember reading about it, but I don't recall what that chemical is.
2007-01-05 09:58:32 · answer #4 · answered by Dovie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The release of pent up emotion. A good cry always helps
2007-01-05 09:54:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Crying is an emotional response to outward stimuli.
2007-01-05 10:00:07 · answer #6 · answered by cantthinkofaname 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My grandma said that emotional tears are the pressure valves to your heart.
2007-01-05 09:58:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bottom Line. It is a form of self sympathy.
2007-01-05 10:00:08 · answer #8 · answered by oldmanwitastick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great question.
I don't actually know, but my best guess would be that crying is a reflex, much like yawning.
2007-01-05 10:00:48 · answer #9 · answered by __ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋