What causes the impulse to cry, where does it all begin?

Answer 1

Most mammals will produce tears in response to extreme pain or other stimuli, but crying as an emotional reaction is considered by many to be a uniquely human phenomenon, possibly due to humans' advanced self-awareness. Some studies suggest that elephants and gorillas may cry as well.

In nearly all cultures, crying is seen as a specific act associated with tears trickling down the cheeks and accompanied by characteristic sobbing sounds. Emotional triggers are most often anger and grief, but crying can also be triggered by sadness, joy, fear, laughter or humor, frustration, or other strongly-experienced emotions.

In many cultures, crying is associated with babies and children. Some cultures consider crying to be undignified and infantile, casting aspersions on those who cry publicly, except if it is due to the death of a close friend or relative. In most cultures, it is more socially acceptable for women to cry than men.

The Gift of Tears in Shin Buddhism: Tears of joy and grief cleanse our souls.

Answer 2

Christ, I wouldn't know exactly how to answer, but it's been studied by scientists and actually I heard nobody has the right one...

Do you mean phisically? (brain cells, etc...) or theoretically? The only thing I know, is that my chest aches and that there's something so big inside me that I cannot contain and it has to escape through the windows of my soul... sorry for being romantic but I don't know the rational explanation for that.

Answer 3

stimusl from the outside