Many people associate tears with strong emotions, both positive and negative. However, it serves a more complex purpose beyond just expressing feelings. Crying is a physiological process that our bodies use to communicate emotions and promote healthy eyes.
Different Types of Tears
It is important to note that tears come in three distinct types: basal, reflex, and emotional tears. Each type serves a unique purpose and should not be mistaken for one another.
- Basal Fluid – Our eyes stay lubricated and moist thanks to tears. The lacrimal glands produce them continuously to prevent the cornea from drying out and keep the eye’s surface healthy.
- Reflex Fluid – The brain produces it when our eyes are exposed to irritants, washing away the hassle and keeping the eyes safe.
- Emotional Fluid – It is biological and helps release stress hormones and toxins. They differ from basal and reflex as they contain specific proteins.
Role of the Brain and Neurotransmitters
Crying is controlled by our brain and neurotransmitters. It starts in the amygdala, which processes emotions. When a situation is emotionally charged, the hypothalamus releases hormones like ACTH and cortisol.
It is natural to cry when feeling stressed. Emotionally-charged tears are produced by our body, which contains stress hormones and toxins. These are help to restore emotional balance.
How Crying Differs from Other Tear Types?
It’s interesting to note that emotional fluids are not just composed of water. In contrast to reflex fluid or basal fluid, emotional fluid carries a higher concentration of stress hormones and proteins. This indicates that emotional fluid serve a distinct biological purpose beyond simply moisturizing the eyes or removing irritants.
In contrast to reflex that is produced immediately in response to stimuli, emotional fluids often have a delay. The brain analyzes emotions and determines whether to initiate crying based on the perceived importance of the experience or event.
Crying is a natural and essential physiological reaction reflecting human emotions’ intricacy and the connection between our minds and bodies. It conveys our deepest sentiments more effectively than words and contributes to our health and happiness.