Why do we cry when we get sad or happy?

Question

I've always wondered why the human response to something so sad or so happy is to cry. Why do our bodies secrete something that is pretty much the same thing as salty water? Please be serious!

Answer 1

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. Scientists have discovered that 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.

Answer 2

Crying or weeping (physic tears): 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. The limbic system is involved in production of basic emotional drives, such as anger, fear, etc. The limbic system also has a degree of control over the autonomic system. This is more specifically the hypothalamus. It is the parasympathetic system that controls the lacrimal glands. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter specific to both the nicotinic and muscarinic receptors. It is when the receptors are activated that the lacrimal gland is stimulated to produce tears.[2]

It was confusing to put it in words.

Answer 3

quite plenty each thing has an result on me.. that is extremely almost like being a hormonal teenager returned. My emotions can spark off in any course devoid of the smallest shove. yet i would not have it any incorrect way. i'm residing,truly residing each 2nd of the day and that i'm much greater content cloth than I truly have ever been. i've got not got considered a actual rainbow in yonks , yet I see them in a baby's smile ,as an occasion, daily. i will cry on the passing of acquaintances and those whose faces a grew up with, yet i'm smart sufficient to renowned they have lived a existence properly spent. existence is physically powerful! that is in ordinary terms the aches and pains that are a crock!!!

Answer 4

Well,I once read in this book your tears release hormones. So like when you cry when you are sad, it releases the hormones that have your sad in them, so you feel better after a cry. Atleast that's what I got from it. Hope that helps!

Answer 5

Studies have discovered that stress-relieving hormones are being released in tears. Have you noticed how much more relaxed you feel after a cry?

Answer 6

in some way its about anxietyreducing and the salty thing that thing comes out make the anxietyreducing efffect on crying more real, and effective (you can feel ,it see it).
my 2 cents..

Answer 7

Very good question...I will check in periodically to see what the experts say. Thank you...

Answer 8

or cutting ONIONS,..,
http://www.psychology.com