2007-05-18 20:06:32 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
to Jinjal:
Actually, no. But it probably would've been smarter if I just posted this in the medical science forum instead.
2007-05-18 20:22:58 · update #1
It's called the palatine uvula and it helps in human speech. The guttural sounds in languages like French and German (it's the throaty raspish sound...you'll know if you hear it). Also, when you pronouce certain words such as "eat" or "dee" you can feel it pressing up in the back of your throat, closing and preventing air flow through your nose so you can properly pronounce those words.
Or it could be a little punching bag for any insect you accidentally swallow.
2007-05-18 20:11:19 · answer #1 · answered by Pris 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
uvula - The uvula is of course the little piece of flesh that hangs down from the rear portion of the soft palate. It is formed during development as the last step of fusion of the two halves of the soft palate, as it "zips up" from front to back. Because of the way the uvula forms, it can have several variations of appearance. The uvula ordinarily appears to be a solid cylinder of tissue. This cylinder may show a groove that divides one side of the cylinder from the other. This reflects the fact that the two halves of tissue joined but only partially fused. The fact is that there isn't any general consensus on the purpose of the uvula, that little flap of skin visible at the back of your mouth. Many physicians feel that the uvula is a vestigial anatomic structure without a significant function, while others feel that it has a role in speech and swallowing in that it participates in the sealing off of the nasopharynx during these activities. The uvula is often surgically removed in treatments for snoring and sleep apnea. This is often done with a laser now, and, although there are risks involved, the surgery is quite often effective.
2016-05-17 08:10:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
One time my uvula swelled and it wouldn't go back in my throat. I don't know why it happened, but it was one of the most uncomfortable things I've ever been through (aside from a Lutheran church service).
2007-05-18 20:15:15 · answer #3 · answered by all fired up! 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The uvula is the tip of the soft palate muscle system that keep food and drink from going up into our nose when we swallow.
2007-05-18 20:13:14 · answer #4 · answered by novangelis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LOLOLOL was your point a "nipples on men" questionette? Kind backfired on ya, eh? Could've googled it yourself instead of being put back in your place by the Answerers above.
2007-05-18 20:20:23 · answer #5 · answered by jinjalina 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a Uvula it is for producing sounds in languages other than english.
2007-05-18 20:11:53 · answer #6 · answered by Sigmondo, The Other Green Meat 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
that is the uvula
The fact is that there isn't any general consensus on the purpose of the uvula
however it does help keep food and fluids from going into your sinuses
2007-05-18 20:13:23 · answer #7 · answered by Kristenite’s Back! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It called the Uvula..
Here's what it does..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palatine_uvula
2007-05-18 20:12:48 · answer #8 · answered by Diane (PFLAG) 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe this is the epiglottis which prevents food from going down your trachea
2007-05-18 20:11:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Ask God He knows He put it there.It is way beyond my knowledge
2007-05-18 20:11:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋