2006-06-30 02:41:25 · 11 answers · asked by arigont 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Closing off access to the nasal passages when you swallow. Similar to the function of the epiglottis with the windpipe. It also helps produce sounds in various languages (not English).
2006-06-30 02:47:22 · answer #1 · answered by Rev. Still Monkeys 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-06-30 02:49:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Functions Of The Uvula
2016-12-17 16:58:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well there are 2 key roles the uvula plays for the human body.
The first and most important role of the uvula takes place during swallowing. The soft palate and the uvula will move up and back to close off the nasopharynx to prevent any food from entering the nasal cavity. This is what fails when you laugh and milk comes through your nose.
The second role of the uvula is its usage in speech and the creation of sound. It works with the palate and any air coming up from the lungs to create several different sounds, usually guttural.
2006-06-30 02:57:31 · answer #4 · answered by MisterE X 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The uvula realy has no purpose, although it can get inflammed and very sore from pharangitis or snoring. Some people have the uvula cut out when getting their tonsils removed, or when having surgery to help stop snoring.
2006-06-30 03:15:42 · answer #5 · answered by sedwards7329 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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
i hate cut and paste from wiki but...............
2006-06-30 02:47:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no known physiological purpose for the uvula, and it is sometimes removed in order to dminish severe snoring.
2006-06-30 03:02:40 · answer #7 · answered by cdf-rom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believe it may keep drink, and possibly food, from entering the nose while one is eating.
2006-06-30 02:48:27 · answer #8 · answered by tom d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is there to keep you from choking on things. Blocks their passage down the throat.
2006-06-30 02:45:09 · answer #9 · answered by katj1250 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It contributes to snoring
2006-06-30 02:47:40 · answer #10 · answered by sgt. pepper 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋