Which term refers to the glands that produce and expel tears?

The term that refers to the glands producing and expelling tears is "lacrimal." The lacrimal glands are specialized glands located in the upper outer region of each eye socket. Their primary function is to secrete tears, which help in lubricating the eye, providing moisture, and protecting the surface from irritants and infections. The process of tear production is essential for maintaining eye health and overall vision.

As for the other options, "tear glands" is a layman's term and not the accepted scientific terminology, while "salivary" glands are responsible for producing saliva in the mouth, and "lubricant" is a general term that does not specifically refer to any particular secretory glands in the context of eye physiology. Thus, "lacrimal" is the precise term used in anatomy and medicine to identify the glands responsible for tear production.