Cries

Cries refer to the act of producing tears and vocalizations in response to emotions, pain, distress, or needs. The term can describe both the production of tears and the audible sounds associated with crying, as well as the plural instances of such acts.

Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands and drained through tear ducts. Emotional crying engages the limbic system and autonomic nervous system, often accompanied by facial expressions and changes in voice and heart rate. Human tears contain proteins and hormones and may serve signaling or social communication functions.

Crying types and functions: emotional crying, reflexive crying due to irritants, and social crying intended to communicate need or solicit support. Emotional crying often follows distress or sadness and can be followed by consolation from others. Reflexive crying helps protect the eye.

Infants and development: Crying is the main means by which newborns communicate hunger, discomfort, or fatigue. Infants display characteristic patterns, and caregivers learn to soothe with feeding, holding, or comforting sounds.

Cultural and social aspects: Attitudes toward crying vary across cultures and contexts. Some traditions encourage emotional restraint, while others accept or encourage crying in response to distress. Social norms and gender expectations influence when and how crying is expressed.

Clinical notes: Excessive or inconsolable crying in infancy is sometimes referred to as colic and can prompt medical assessment to exclude underlying conditions. In adults, persistent crying can accompany mood disorders or certain neurological conditions.