I cry at everything. Whether I’m moved by Katniss’ bravery in Mocking Jay Part 1 (even though I knew everything that was going to happen as a result of reading the book) or because I got dust in my eye (I am very accident prone), I am often in tears. But did you know that the tears resulting from these two different circumstances are two completely different types of tears? In fact, the body produces three types of tears that are particular to three different categorical situations.
Basal Tears:
Our eyes are constantly producing basal tears that lubricate and protect our cornea from dirt and debris.
Reflex Tears:
We break out in reflex tears when harmful particles threaten our eyes. Reflex tears save the day by washing these harmful substances away.
Emotional Tears:
Emotional tears do more than simply lubricate our eyes. They occur when we are experiencing a heightened state of happiness or sadness and these emotional tears work to stabilize our mood.
Watch this five minute TED Ed video that illustrates different situations when one might experience the three different types of tears:
To learn more about the science of tears, try viewing different types of tears under a microscope and read about NPR‘s idea that crying is the result of evolution.
Have you ever experienced a time when you started crying uncontrollably? What prompted your tears and can you figure out the type of tears you were most likely shedding? Share with us in the comment section below something new that you learned about the special drops that lubricate and protect our eyes.
Related Articles

Your Guide to Homeschool Success

Prevent Learning Loss With Educational Summer Activities for Kids

4 Inspirational Stories of Women Who Changed the World

Food Trivia for Kids: Fun Facts to Share at the Dinner Table

Beat the Summer Slide: Tips for Keeping Young Minds Active

Flexibility in Online Schooling: A Smarter Way to Learn

How Tutoring for Math Can Turn Struggle Into Success

How Video Creation Helps Kids Find Their Voice

6 Reasons Southwest Families Are Choosing Online Education

Tips for Choosing the Right School for Your Child

Education Online? One Family’s Success Story

Must-Read Books for Your Home Library: The Best Books by Age Group

Lights, Camera, Creativity! How Kids Can Express Themselves Through Video

The Benefits of Online Learning for Early Reading Skills

Mastering Cooking Skills: How Kids Benefit in the Kitchen and the Classroom

How Am I Going to Pay for College?

National School Choice Week: What Parents Need to Know

A Parent’s Guide to Choosing a Great Tutor

Smart Goals for Students: Unlock Your Full Potential

3 Easy School Snack Recipes Every Parent Will Love

Writing Prompts for Kids to Spark Creativity: Fun and Engaging Ideas

Is your kid struggling in school? Practical steps to turn things around.

Cooking Skills: Whisking Up Wisdom and Life Learning

5 Tips for Helping Your Kid Learn Cooking Skills (Without turning your kitchen into chaos!)

How to Write an Effective Outline for High School Essays

6 Ways to Help Your Child Combat Test Anxiety

5 Expert Tips to Manage Academic Stress

How Robotics Opens Doors to Promising Careers

5 Reasons Families Choose Online School for Special Education

From Bored to Engaged: 7 Ways Game-Based Learning Keeps Your Child Motivated

Should Parents Help with Homework?

Helping Your Military Kids Thrive: Navigating Their Unique Challenges

Study Smarter, Not Harder: 9 Ways to Make Studying More Fun

Helping Your Teen Craft Their First Resume: A Parent’s Guide

Six Ways Online Learning Transforms the Academic Journey

Encouraging Kids to Love Writing: Fun Activities to Spark Creativity

Turn Up the Music: The Benefits of Music in Classrooms

How to Create a Bully-Free Zone

A Parent’s Guide to Managing and Reducing Student Stress

5 Factors That Affect Learning: Insights for Parents

Navigating the College Application Process: A Timeline for High School Students and Their Parents

Can Homeschooled Students Play School Sports?

Enhance Your Student-Athlete’s Competitive Edge with Online Schooling

Preparing for the First Day of Online School

Why Arts Education is Important in School

5 Ways to Start the School Year with Confidence

Top Four Reasons Families Are Choosing Online School in the Upcoming Year

Tips for Scheduling Your Online School Day

The Ultimate Back-to-School List for Online and Traditional School

Best Children’s Audiobooks Free

7 Fun Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids

Easy Science Experiments For Kids To Do At Home This Summer

5 Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Online Learning

How Parents Can Prevent Isolation and Loneliness During Summer Break

Gifts for Teachers

Six Ways Online Schools Can Support Military Families

Countdown to Graduation: How to Prepare for the Big Day

5 Major Benefits of Summer School

Types of Poems

A Parent’s Guide to Tough Conversations

From Books to Tech: Why Libraries Are Still Important in the Digital Age

The Evolution of Learning: How Education is Transforming for Future Generations

The Ultimate Guide to Reading Month: 4 Top Reading Activities for Kids

30 Questions to Ask at Your Next Parent-Teacher Conference

Is Your Child Ready for Advanced Learning? Discover Your Options.

Your Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun and Activities

Good Reasons to Switch Classes in Middle School

A Parent’s Guide to Switching Schools Midyear

Building Strong Study Habits: Back-to-School Edition

How to Get Ahead of Cyberbullying

Bullying’s Effect on Students and How to Help

Bullying Signs

Could the Online Classroom Be the Solution to Bullying?

Bullying Prevention Starts With Parents

TED Ed: Synesthesia

TED ED: The Science of Baking a Chocolate Chip Cookie
