Tearing
Tearing (Pronunciation: /ˈtɪərɪŋ/)
Tearing, also known as lacrimation, is the secretion of tears, a body fluid which often serves to clean and lubricate the eyes in response to an irritation.
Etymology
The term "tearing" originates from the Old English word "tearian," which means "to lacerate" and indirectly from the Proto-Germanic word "tairijan." The term "lacrimation" is derived from the Latin word "lacrima" meaning "tear."
Function
Tearing is a natural body process beneficial for the overall health of the eyes. The primary functions of tearing include lubrication of the cornea, removal of debris, prevention of infection through the action of lysozyme, a natural antibacterial agent found in tears, and provision of a smooth optical surface to absorb and focus light onto the retina.
Related Terms
- Dry Eye Syndrome: A condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears for adequate lubrication.
- Epiphora: An abnormal overflow of tears, often caused by blockage of the lacrimal duct.
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca: Also known as dry eye syndrome, it is a type of eye disease that occurs when there is a problem with the quality or amount of tears secreted.
- Lacrimal apparatus: The physiological system containing the orbital structures for tear production and drainage.
- Lacrimal gland: The gland that produces tears and is located in the upper outer region of the orbit, just above the eyeball.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tearing
- Wikipedia's article - Tearing
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