Why do we cry? The three types of tears - Alex Gendler

What is the primary function of basal tears?

• To express strong feelings like joy or sorrow

• To wash away harmful substances or particles from the eye

• To keep the eye hydrated, smooth, and protected from dirt and bacteria daily

• To react to irritating chemicals like those from an onion

When you cut an onion, what chemical reaction causes your eyes to sting and produce tears?

• Sugar in the onion turns into a burning acid

• Sulfoxides in the onion are converted into sulfenic acid, which then becomes a gas that irritates the eyes

• Water in the onion mixes with oil to create a stinging sensation

• Proteins in the onion break down and release a harmful substance

Besides signaling emotions to others, what other important role do emotional tears play?

• They make your eyes stronger and more resistant to injury

• They help stabilize your mood and contain stress hormones like ACTH and enkephalin, a natural painkiller

• They improve your vision by cleaning the lens of your eye

• They cause your eyelashes to grow longer and thicker

What are the three main types of tears that humans produce?

• Happy, Sad, and Angry tears

• Basal, Reflex, and Emotional tears

• Watery, Oily, and Mucus tears

• Protective, Cleansing, and Feeling tears