2006-06-12 14:49:54 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
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 block off the nasal passage when we swallow preventing milk from squirting out our noses...unless it is really funny and catches us by surprise.
2006-06-12 14:55:30 · answer #1 · answered by c_schumacker 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-06-12 14:52:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
what is that thing in the back of my throat and what does it do??
2015-08-18 18:18:31 · answer #3 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's Babs' Uvula. It'll behoove ya' to care for your uvula.
2006-06-12 14:53:18 · answer #4 · answered by crutnacker 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it's called an uvula. I don't really know the purpose but I think if you touch it you'll make yourself throw up. it's a pretty funny word though. ooovalah
2006-06-12 14:54:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It will make you gag when something big tries to go down your throat and prevent suffocating.
2006-06-12 14:51:12 · answer #6 · answered by edhchoe 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is your uvula and it is involved with the gag reflex. Try to touch it and you will see what I mean.
2006-06-12 14:52:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I forget what it's called but it blocks your airway when you swallow so you don't aspirate(i think is the word) your food.
2006-06-12 14:52:40 · answer #8 · answered by poof10958 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
what do the uvula feel swollen
2013-11-10 22:24:06 · answer #9 · answered by Robert Nathan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its their for decoration, just kidding!
2006-06-12 14:52:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋