Information AboutTears |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT TEARS | |
| human physiology | |
| eye | |
| body fluids | |
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Tears are a liquid produced by the body's process of lacrimation to clean and lubricate the Eye s. The word ''lacrimation'' may also be used in a medical or literary sense to refer to crying. One lacrimal Gland is located above and beside each eye, behind the upper Eyelid . The lacrimal glands secrete lacrimal fluid which flows through lacrimal ducts into the space between the eyeball and lids. When the eyes blink the lacrimal fluid is spread across the surface of the eye. The lacrimal fluid flows through the lacrimal lake via the puncta to the Lacrimal Caniliculi at the inner corner of the eyelids then through the Nasolacrimal Duct , and finally into the Nasal Cavity . An excess of tears, as with strong Emotion , can thus cause the nose to run. TYPES OF TEARS There are three basic types of tears: #Basal tears: In healthy Mammal ian 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, Immunoglobulin s, Glucose , Urea , Sodium , and Potassium . Some of the substances in lacrimal fluid fight against Bacteria l 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 or Tear Gas or Pepper Spray . These ''reflex tears'' attempt to wash out irritants that may have gotten into the eye. #Crying or weeping: The third category, also referred to as ''crying'' or ''weeping'', is increased lacrimation due to strong Emotion al stress or pain. This practice is not restricted to negative emotions; many people have been known to cry when extremely happy. 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. DISEASES AND DISORDERS See Also: List of eye diseases and disorders " Crocodile Tears Syndrome " is an uncommon consequence of recovery from Bell's Palsy where faulty regeneration of the Facial Nerve causes sufferers to shed tears while eating {Link without Title} . SOCIETAL ASPECTS Most mammals will produce tears in response to extreme Pain or other stimuli, but crying as an Emotion al reaction is considered by many to be a uniquely Human phenomenon, possibly due to humans' advanced Self-awareness . Some studies suggest that Elephant s and Gorilla s 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 Sound s. Emotional triggers are most often Anger and Grief , but crying can also be triggered by Sadness , Joy , Fear , Humor , etc. In many cultures, crying is associated with babies and children. Some cultures consider crying to be undignified and infantile, casting aspersion on those who cry publicly. In most western cultures, it is more socially acceptable for women to cry in public than men, but this is certainly not true for all human cultures. An insincere display of grief or dishonest remorse is called Crocodile Tears , from the ancient anecdote that Crocodile s would ''pretend'' to weep in order to lure prey {Link without Title} . Many religions describe God s or Prophet s as crying:
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