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The uvula is a small cone-shaped mass of tissue hanging down from the soft palate, near the back of the throat. The word is derived from the diminutive of uva, the Latin word for "grape", due to the uvula's grape-like shape.
The uvula plays an important role in the creation of the sound of the human voice. It functions in tandem with the back of the throat, the palate, and air coming up from the lungs to create a number of guttural and other sounds. Consonants pronounced with the uvula are not found in English; however, languages such as Arabic, French, German, Hebrew, and Ubykh use uvular consonants to varying degrees. Certain African languages use the uvula to produce click consonants, as well.
The uvula also contributes to snoring or heavy breathing during sleep; having an elongated uvula can cause vibrations which lead to the snoring. In some cases this can lead to sleep apnea, which may be treated by removal of the uvula or part of the uvula if necessary.
During swallowing, the soft palate and the uvula move superiorly to close off the nasopharynx, preventing food from entering the nasal cavity.
Splitting of the uvula occurs infrequently but is the most common form of mouth and nose area cleavage among newborns (roughly 2% of infants have this bifid or split uvula). Newborns with cleft palate also have a split uvula.
Uvula in fashion
Today, the uvula is one of many body parts that people pierce. However, uvula piercings are very dangerous compared to other forms of body piercing, as the risks involved include swelling, throat edema, choking, and other forms of uvular infection.
Uvula in popular culture
Cartoons and other displays or animations often feature the uvula when characters act in a way in which their mouth is gaping open. Screaming or singing animations often show the uvula in a wiggling motion. Bifid uvulas were actually featured as a part of Nickelodeon's 1994 animated series AAAHH!!! Real Monsters.
In other cartoons, the uvula is depicted as a punching bag, and is hit by characters in a way similar to that of a speed bag.
In Cartoon Network's series Cow and Chicken the uvula is used along with the spleen, representing an unknown human organ. While the spleen is obviously mistaken for spine, the uvula is most likely used because of its strange name.
Swollen Uvula - Uvulitis
At times, the mucous membrane around the uvula may swell, causing the uvula to expand 3-5 times its normal size. When the uvula touches the throat or tongue, it can cause sensations like gagging or choking, even though there is no foreign matter present. This can cause problems breathing, talking, and eating.
There are many theories about what causes the uvula to swell, including: 1) dehydration (from arid weather and/or alcohol); 2) excessive smoking or other inhaled irratants; 3) snoring; 4) allergic reaction; or 5) a viral or bacterial infection.
If the swelling is caused by dehydration drink plenty of fluids. If the cause is a bacterial infection gargling iodized salt water may help (the iodine in the salt will help to cleanse the infection).
A swollen uvula is normally not life-threatening and subsides in a short time, typically within a day. However, it can also be a sign of other problems. If the swelling does not subside at all within 8-12 hours, and if it's accompanied by other symptoms (such as fever or pain), it's best to get it checked by your health care provider.
See also
"Uvula"