The lacrimal apparatus is the physiological system containing the orbital structures for tear production and drainage.

The lacrimal gland is primarily responsible for producing emotional or reflexive tears.

As tears are produced, some fluid evaporates between blinks, and some is drained through the lacrimal punctum.

Any excess fluid that did not go into the punctum will fall over the eyelid, which produces tears that are cried.

[2] This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1028 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)