What do yo call that bulb shaped thing that hangs down in the back of your throat? What is it for?
2006-12-22 05:37:04 · 13 answers · asked by (*) T (*) 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
The uvula is a small, mucosa-covered set of muscles, musculus uvulae, 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.
If the uvula is touched by a finger or other object, this will induce an unpleasant gagging sensation which is often followed by vomiting. This is how bulimics induce vomiting.
The uvula plays an important role in the articulation of the sound of the human voice to form the sounds of speech. 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, Ubykh, and Hmong use uvular consonants to varying degrees. Certain African languages use the uvula to produce click consonants as well. In English (as well as many other languages), it closes to prevent air escaping through the nose when making some sounds.
2006-12-22 05:50:40 · answer #1 · answered by Ash 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it's called the uvula, and it's used in speech, although not in english. it is used in french, some spanish and german dialects and many african and middle eastern languages. the french "R" is an example of an uvular consonant, which is articulated by creating a trill motion (like a rolled "r") near the uvula with the tongue.
i'm not sure if it's used for any medical purposes though
2006-12-22 13:48:33 · answer #2 · answered by zeiburakathau 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Uvula
2006-12-22 13:46:35 · answer #3 · answered by Elizabeth Howard 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Tonsils and adenoids are masses of tissue that are similar to the lymph nodes or "glands" found in the neck, groin, and armpits. Tonsils are the two masses on the back of the throat. Adenoids are high in the throat behind the nose and the roof of the mouth (soft palate) and are not visible through the mouth without special instruments.
Tonsils and adenoids are near the entrance to the breathing passages where they can catch incoming germs, which cause infections. They "sample" bacteria and viruses and can become infected themselves. Scientists believe they work as part of the body's immune system by filtering germs that attempt to invade the body, and that they help to develop antibodies to germs."
2006-12-22 13:39:29 · answer #4 · answered by Megan 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Isn't it the epiglottis, excuse the spelling, or may be the uvula
2006-12-22 13:46:40 · answer #5 · answered by mistymiss 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son called it his "Pong Wobbler". you chew your food then swallow. the lump of masicated food hits this bit of flesh and makes a 'pong' sound, then from the force of the strike you get the wobble effect hence... pong wobbler. simple as the nose on your face... Why do we call it a nose?
2006-12-23 07:09:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
uvula I think it has something to do with the gag reflex
2006-12-22 13:43:36 · answer #7 · answered by lilbritt_291 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is called the "Uvula"
2006-12-23 12:16:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's the uvula
2006-12-22 16:01:30 · answer #9 · answered by Stanleymonkey 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
uvula, no known purpose
2006-12-22 13:44:42 · answer #10 · answered by nyc_princess 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋