uvula

(noun)

A soft, punching-bag-like piece of tissue that hangs at the back of the mouth and functions in closing the air passages during swallowing, in conjunction with the epiglottis of the trachea.

Related Terms

(noun)

The fleshy appendage that hangs from the back of the palate and closes the nasopharynx during swallowing.

Related Terms

Examples of uvula in the following topics:

  • Pharynx

    • The oropharynx or mesopharynx lies behind the oral cavity and extends from the uvula to the level of the hyoid bone.
    • The superior wall consists of the inferior surface of the soft palate and the uvula.

  • Mouth

    • The mouth is also known as the oral cavity, and within the oral cavity sits the tongue, the soft and hard palate, the uvula, and numerous salivary glands.
    • The cheeks have been omitted in the drawing and the lips pulled back for an unobstructed view of the teeth, tongue, jaw bones, uvula, and alimentary canal.

  • Cleft Palate and Lip

    • When cleft palate occurs, the uvula is usually split.

  • Structures Used in Voice Production

    • The uvula hanging down at the entrance to the throat (uvular).
    • Post-velar; uvula), 10.

  • Pharynx

    • The anterior wall of the oropharynx consists of the base of the tongue and the superior wall consists of the bottom surface of the soft palate and the uvula.