WHY ARE OUR TEARS SALTY?

             Tears are produced by the Lacrimal Gland which lies above the outer edge of each eye. These glands constantly secrete a salty fluid which keeps the eyes moist and allow the eyeball to rotate properly. Every time we blink, water from these glands is spread of the eye.
             Any extra water is collected in two little canals at the inner corner of the eye and carried away to the lacrimal sac near the nose. When stimulated by a pungent smell or in times of emotional stress, the tear glands produce more water than usual and there is a flood of tears. Tears have three main functions: to keep the eye moist, to act as a mild antiseptic and to drain away dust and small particles from the surface of the eye. The saltiness of the fluid helps to discourage the growth of bacteria and acts as an antiseptic. 

A Teary Eye
                                    

0 comments:

Post a Comment