noun
tear gland; lacrimal gland
Anatomical term for the gland that produces tears. Also used in figurative expressions like 涙腺が緩む (to be moved to tears).
涙腺から涙が分泌される。
Tears are secreted from the lacrimal gland.
感動して涙腺が緩んだ。
I was so moved that I became teary-eyed.