Why do our eyes water when we yawn?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Facial muscles squeeze tear glands
Facial muscles squeeze tear glands ✓ — Correct! When you yawn, facial muscles contract strongly, putting pressure on the lacrimal glands (tear glands) near your eyes. This squeezing forces tears out, making your eyes water. It's a mechanical effect, not emotional.
Body expels excess moisture — Wrong. Watery eyes during yawning isn't about expelling moisture. It's caused by pressure on tear glands from contracting facial muscles.
Oxygen rush stimulates tear ducts — Wrong. Oxygen intake doesn't stimulate tear production. The tears come from facial muscles squeezing tear glands during the yawn.
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