BrainStuff Season 1 Episode 18 What Are Eye Boogers?

In season 1, episode 18 of BrainStuff, we explore the interesting topic of eye boogers. Host Jonathan Strickland explains the scientific name for this odd substance--the correct term is rheum-- and the unique composition of this byproduct of our bodies.

The episode starts off with a simple yet intriguing question: what are eye boogers, and why do we get them? Strickland kicks things off with some fascinating information about the anatomy of our eyes, describing the way that the eye creates and distributes tear fluid. While the tears are responsible for keeping our eyes moist and comfortable, the tear system also produces the gunk that tends to accumulate around our eyelids.

Strickland describes the way the eye produces two different types of tears: basal tears and reflex tears. Basal tears are created continuously, and they serve to keep the eyes moist and lubricated. Meanwhile, reflex tears are made in response to environmental stimuli, such as when dirt and smoke create an irritation in the eye. These two types of tears work together to create the substance that we know as eye boogers, or rheum.

Viewers learn about the different types of rheum that we can produce. Depending on the type of tear that's being produced, the rheum can be made of liquid, mucus, or a combination of the two. Most people are familiar with the white or yellow gunk that can appear in the corner of our eyes, but Strickland explains that this substance can come in many different forms.

The episode goes on to explain the reasons why we accumulate eye boogers. Strickland deconstructs the basic causes: essentially, our tear ducts are constantly producing more fluid than we need, and the extra fluid gets reabsorbed or flows out of our eyes. Since there isn't enough room for all the fluid to escape, it can collect around our eyelashes and form into gunk.

Of course, there's no such thing as a simple biological process without some kind of variation or complication. Strickland notes that the production of eye boogers can be affected by all sorts of factors, such as allergies, infections, and even contact lenses. He explains that the composition of the rheum will vary depending on these factors, and that the color and texture of the boogers can be an indicator of underlying health issues.

This episode of BrainStuff does more than just explain the scientific background of eye boogers; it also investigates some of the more interesting and obscure aspects of this topic. Strickland delves into the etymology of the word "boogers," offering a few different possibilities for where the term might have come from. He also discusses some of the myths and folk beliefs surrounding eye boogers, such as the idea that they can tell us about our dreams or that they can be used in love spells.

Overall, season 1, episode 18 of BrainStuff offers a fascinating and entertaining deep dive into a topic that seemed trivial but ended up being so much more complex than we might have thought. The episode strikes a pleasing balance between scientific rigor and lighthearted curiosity, making it an ideal choice for anyone interested in the inner workings of the human body or just looking to learn something new.