Why does lacrimal secretion increase substantially when we are upset?

Question

I understand that lacrimal fluid flows from the lacrimal gland positioned on the lateral orbital region of the eye to the excretory lacrimal ducts which transmit tears across the eye surface. These tears (lacrimal fluids) then collect into medial little holes called the lacrimal puncta and then flow into the lacrimal canaliculus to the lacrimal sac and then drain into the nasolacrimal duct.
So then, it seems that this flow of lacrimal secretion/fluid increases substantially in the lacrimal gland where it then oozes out to flow in the rest of its path. Am I right in assuming this? So, then, why does being upset/highly emotional increase lacrimal secretion in the lacrimal glands above the eyes?

Answer 1

We humans have the most highly developed forebrains of any creature on earth (except maybe dolphins) The result of this is we have emotions... not just primal instincts. We share fear, anger, jeoulosy, survival instinct and so on with our animal cousins, but we also have love, devotion, admiration, resentment, sorrow, and a whole host of complex emotions that are unique to homo sapiens. One of the most common physical side effects of strong emotion is crying. If this sounds completely alien to you then you have no soul.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

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. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

yes, definitely