Tears

The watery, salty secretion that is produced by the lacrimal glands, part of the lacrimal apparatus of the eye. Tears keep the cornea and conjunctiva moist to maintain transparency of the cornea and prevent ulcers; aid blinking; and wash away foreign particles. Tear production increases in response to eye irritation and emotion.

 

Online Medical Dictionary: Your essential reference to over 5000 medical terms.