Skip to main content

Why do we cry? The three types of tears - Alex Gendler

6,827,305 Views

7,211 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Whether we cry during a sad movie, while chopping onions, or completely involuntarily, our eyes are constantly producing tears. Alex Gendler tracks a particularly watery day in the life of Iris (the iris) as she cycles through basal, reflex and emotional tears.

Reflex tears do all of the following except:

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Alex Gendler
  • Animator Nadav Arbel
  • Artist Nir Philosof
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

More from Getting Under Our Skin