The uvula (pronounced /ˈjuːvjələ/) 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. Image File history File links Tonsils_diagram. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 582 pixelsFull resolution‎ (1,105 × 804 pixels, file size: 125 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... For other uses, see Latins and Latin (disambiguation). ... Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) is a huge controlled vocabulary (or metadata system) for the purpose of indexing journal articles and books in the life sciences. ... Elseviers logo. ... The mucous membrane immediately behind the internal urethral orifice presents a slight elevation, the uvula of urinary bladder, caused by the middle lobe of the prostate. ... The Musculus uvulæ (Azygos uvulæ) arises from the posterior nasal spine of the palatine bones and from the palatine aponeurosis; it descends to be inserted into the uvula. ... The soft palate, or velum, is the soft tissue comprising the back of the roof of the mouth. ... For other uses, see Throat (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Latins and Latin (disambiguation). ...

Function in voice

The uvula plays an important role in the articulation of the sound of the human voice to form the sounds of speech.^[1] 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. The human voice consists of sound made by a human using the vocal folds for talking, singing, laughing, crying and screaming. ... Look up air in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The heart and lungs (from an older edition of Grays Anatomy) The lung is an organ belonging to the respiratory system and interfacing to the circulatory system of air-breathing vertebrates. ... Guttural is an obsolete term used to describe any of several consonantal speech sounds whose primary place of articulation is near the back of the oral cavity, and include some velar consonants, uvular consonants, and pharyngeal consonants. ... In articulatory phonetics, a consonant is a sound in spoken language that is characterized by a closure or stricture of the vocal tract sufficient to cause audible turbulence. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... Arabic redirects here. ... Hebrew redirects here. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ... Hmong (RPA: Hmoob) or Mong (RPA: Moob) is the common name for a group of dialects of the West Hmongic (Chuanqiandian) branch of the Hmong-Mien/Miao-Yao language family spoken by the Hmong people of Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi, northern Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos. ... Uvulars are consonants articulated with the back of the tongue against or near the uvula, that is, further back in the mouth than velar consonants. ... Map showing the distribution of African language families and some major African languages. ... Clicks are stops produced with two articulatory closures in the oral cavity. ...

Pathology

Universal Emetic

Patients that suffer from bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder, tend to take the uvula to their advantage. Massaging the uvula causes the gag reflex to initiate and expel stomach contents. Massaging the uvula is the universal alternative to ipecac, but should not be practiced as it can result in damage to the lining of the esophagus and other long term health problems such as rotting of the teeth and gums. Bulimia nervosa, commonly known as bulimia, is an eating disorder and psychological condition in which the subject engages in recurrent binge eating followed by feelings of guilt, depression, and self-condemnation and intentional purging to compensate for the excessive eating, usually to prevent weight gain (see anorexia nervosa). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Syrup of ipecac (derived from the Ipecacuanha plant), is an emetic - used to induce vomiting. ... The esophagus or oesophagus (see American and British English spelling differences), sometimes known as the gullet, is an organ in vertebrates which consists of a muscular tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. ... Types of teeth Molars are used for grinding up foods Carnassials are used for slicing food. ... The gingiva, or gums, consist of the tissue surrounding the roots of the teeth and covering the jawbone. ...

Velopharyngeal insufficiency

In a small number of people, the uvula does not close properly against the back of the throat, causing a condition known as velopharyngeal insufficiency or VPI. This causes "nasal" (or more properly "hyper-nasal") speech, where a lot of extra air comes down the nose, and the speaker is unable to say certain consonants, for example producing the sound /b/ like /m/. Velopharyngeal inadequacy (VPI) is a malfunction of a velopharyngeal mechanism. ...

Snoring and sleep apnea

The uvula can also contribute 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, an operation known as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (commonly referred to as UPPP, or U3P). It should be noted, however, that this operation can also cause sleep apnea if scar tissue forms and the airspace in the velopharnyx is decreased. The success of UPPP as a treatment for sleep apnea is unknown, but some research has shown 40-60% effectiveness in reducing symptoms.^[2] Typically apnea subsides for the short term, but returns over the medium to long term, and sometimes is worse than it was before the UPPP. Snoring is the act of breathing through the open mouth in such a way as to cause a vibration of the uvula and soft palate, thus giving rise to a sound which may vary from a soft noise to a loud unpleasant sound. ... Sleep apnea, sleep apnoea or sleep apnœa is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. ... Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (also known by the abbreviations UPPP and UP3) is a surgical procedure used to remove tissue in the throat. ... Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (also known by the abbreviation UPPP) is a procedure used to decrease or remove the sound of snoring in human beings during sleep. ...

Nasal regurgitation

During swallowing, the soft palate and the uvula move superiorly to close off the nasopharynx, preventing food from entering the nasal cavity. When this process fails, the result is called nasal regurgitation. It is common in people with VPI. The nasopharynx (nasal part of the pharynx) lies behind the nose and above the level of the soft palate: it differs from the oral and laryngeal parts of the pharynx in that its cavity always remains patent (open). ...

Swollen uvula - uvulitis

A child's swollen uvula with tonsils

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. Image File history File linksMetadata Swollenuvula. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Swollenuvula. ... The Palatine tonsils. ... The mucous membranes (or mucosae; singular: mucosa) are linings of mostly endodermal origin, covered in epithelium, and are involved in absorption and secretion. ...

There are many theories about what causes the uvula to swell, including: 1) dehydration (from arid weather); 2) excessive smoking or other inhaled irritants; 3) snoring; 4) allergic reaction; or 5) a viral or bacterial infection. Dehydration (hypohydration) is the removal of water (hydro in ancient Greek) from an object. ... The cigarette is the most common method of smoking tobacco. ... Snoring is the act of breathing through the open mouth in such a way as to cause a vibration of the uvula and soft palate, thus giving rise to a sound which may vary from a soft noise to a loud unpleasant sound. ... Pancreatitus can be caused by an Allergic Reaction to a food. ... Infection is also the title of an episode of the television series Babylon 5; see Infection (Babylon 5). ...

If the swelling is caused by dehydration, drink plenty of fluids. If the cause is a bacterial infection, gargling salt water may help. 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. Some patients with a history or recurring uvulitis have to carry an EpiPen containing Adrenaline (Epinephrine) to inject themselves whenever the uvulitis begins. If the swelling has not subsided within 8-12 hours, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms (such as fever or pain), it is best to see your health care provider. Gargling is a common method of cleansing the throat, especially if one has a sore throat or upper-respiratory virus or infection. ... A 0. ... Epinephrine (INN) or adrenaline (BAN) is a hormone and a neurotransmitter. ... Adrenaline redirects here. ...

Bifid uvula

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. The bifid uvula results from failure of complete fusion of the medial nasal and maxillary processes.

A bifid uvula is a split or cleft uvula. This occurs in about 1% of caucasians and 10% of Native Americans. Bifid uvulas have less muscle in them than a normal uvula, this may cause recurring problems with middle ear infections. While swallowing, the soft palate is pushed backwards. This prevents food and drink from entering the nasal cavity; if the soft palate cannot touch the back of the throat while swallowing, food and drink can enter the nasal cavity.^[3]

Removal of part of uvula to prevent throat infections

In some parts of Africa, including Ethiopia and Eritrea, part of the uvula may be removed by a traditional healer to prevent throat infections. ^[4] In this case, the uvula may be noticeably shortened. It is not thought to contribute to VPI, except in cases where the tonsils have also been removed ^[5].

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 uvular infection. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... A uvula piercing is a body piercing through the uvula. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This page is about the condition called edema. ...

Uvula in popular culture

• (1947) In the cartoon I Taw a Putty Tat, the uvula is depicted as a punching bag

• (1961) In the episode of The Andy Griffith Show called "Barney and the Choir", Deputy Barney Fife has learned this word while getting treatment for a sore throat, and recites a brief reference to the old Spiritual All God's Chillun Got Wings: "I got a uvula, you got a uvula, all God's chillun got a uvula!" In keeping with the reference, Andy responds, "Hallelujah!"

• (1976) The uvula was featured in an early Saturday Night Live comedy skit starring Gilda Radner, Chevy Chase, and Laraine Newman. The skit was a mock public service announcement about uvula care, featuring the tagline, "It'll behoove ya to care for your uvula."^[6]

• (c. 1990) It also features in a "Far Side" cartoon by Gary Larson entitiled "final page of the medical exam" where a person is depicted holding a question paper that reads "bonus question (50 points): what is the name of the dangly thing that hangs down in the back of our throats?"

• (1994) Bifid uvulas were featured as a part of Nickelodeon's animated series Aaahh!!! Real Monsters.

• (1995) American pop punk band Green Day have a song entitled "Bab's Uvula Who?" on the album Insomniac, a reference to the aforementioned Saturday Night Live sketch.

• (1997) In Cartoon Network's series Cow and Chicken the uvula is used along with the spleen to represent an unknown human organ. While the spleen is obviously mistaken for the spine, the uvula is most likely used because of its strange name.

• (1997) "Weird Al" Yankovic used the word uvula frequently on the Weird Al Show.

• (2001) In Takashi Miikes Happiness of the Katakuris, a small monster runs away with a woman's uvula.

• (2001) In "Osmosis Jones" Jones follows the deadly virus by flying out of the mouth from the uvula during a sneeze. He then returned there afterwards.

• (2006) The uvula is mistaken for a vulva as a gag in Monster House.

I did! I did taw a putty tat! I Taw a Putty Tat is a 1947 short animated cartoon, released in 1948, directed by Friz Freleng. ... Categories: Stub | Exercise equipment | Boxing ... The Andy Griffith Show is an American television series that aired on CBS from October 3rd, 1960 to April 1st, 1968. ... == Historical background on spiritual music Spirituals were often expressions of religious faith, although they may also have served as socio-political protests veiled as assimilation to white, American culture. ... All Gods Chillun Got Wings can refer to: a spiritual song [1] a 1924 play by Eugene ONeill Category: ... This article is about the American television series. ... Gilda Susan Radner (28 June 1946 – 20 May 1989) was an American comedienne and actress, best known for her five years as part of the original cast of the NBC comedy series Saturday Night Live. ... For other uses, see Chevy Chase (disambiguation). ... Laraine Newman (born March 2, 1952) is an American comedian and actress, from Los Angeles, California. ... This article is about the comic strip. ... Gary Larson (b. ... This article is about the TV channel. ... An animated series or cartoon series is a television series produced by means of animation. ... Aaahh!!! Real Monsters is an American animated television series about adolescent monsters in training, developed by Klasky Csupo for Nickelodeon. ... This article is about the band Green Day. ... Insomniac is the fourth studio album from the punk rock band Green Day. ... For Cartoon Network outside of the United States, see Cartoon Network around the world. ... Cow and Chicken is an Emmy Award-nominated American animated television series, created by David Feiss. ... The spleen is an organ located in the abdomen, where it functions in the destruction of old red blood cells and holding a reservoir of blood. ... The vertebral column seen from the side Different regions (curvatures) of the vertebral column The vertebral column (backbone or spine) is a column of vertebrae situated in the dorsal aspect of the abdomen. ... This article is about the musician. ... The Weird Al Show was a short-lived television show starring Weird Al Yankovic. ... Takashi Miike ) (born August 24, 1960) is a highly prolific and controversial Japanese filmmaker. ... The Happiness of the Katakuris ) is a 2001 film directed by Takashi Miike, with screenplay by Kikumi Yamagishi. ... Osmosis Jones (2001) is a part animated, part live action film whose title character is Osmosis Jones, an anthropomorphic white blood cell. ... For other uses, see Mouth (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Sneeze (disambiguation). ... The external genital organs of the female are collectively known as the vulva (plural vulvae or vulvas)[1]. In common speech, the term vagina is often used improperly to refer to the vulva or female genitals generally, even though, strictly speaking, the vagina is a specific internal structure, whereas the... This article or section contains a plot summary that is overly long or excessively detailed compared to the rest of the article. ...

Notable patients

Anita O'Day, a popular big band singer, lost her uvula by a 'slip of the knife' during a childhood surgery. This affected her voice by eliminating vibrato, she said, in an interview with Terry Gross of NPR's "Fresh Air" radio show. Anita ODay (October 18, 1919 – November 23, 2006) was an American jazz singer. ... Vibrato is a musical effect where the pitch or frequency of a note or sound is quickly and repeatedly raised and lowered over a small distance for the duration of that note or sound. ... Terry Gross (born 1951) is the host and co-executive producer of Fresh Air, an interview format radio show produced by WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and distributed throughout the United States by National Public Radio. ... NPR logo For other meanings of NPR see NPR (disambiguation) National Public Radio (NPR) is a private, not-for-profit corporation that sells programming to member radio stations; together they are a loosely organized public radio network in the United States. ... For the Scottish student radio station, see Fresh Air (Edinburgh). ...

Additional images

References

Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 215th day of the year (216th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 299th day of the year (300th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 266th day of the year (267th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

• MedlinePlus Encyclopedia 001257 - Uvulitis
• Palatine+uvula at eMedicine Dictionary