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Does the uvula do anything other than help with the gag reflex?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
The uvula functions in sealing off the nasal pharynx from the oral pharynx during the act of deglutition.
In plain English: as you swallow, the soft palate, whose posteriormost extension is the uvula, elevates and the uvula presses against the 'back of your throat.' As that happens, the opening between the nasal cavity and the back of the throat is blocked, and the food or liquid cannot enter the nasal cavity. A simple experiment: 1. close your mouth and breath through your nose; air enters your lungs. 2. Open your mouth and breath through mouth; air enters your lungs. So, now you know that there must be communication between your nasal and oral cavities. 3. Collect saliva in your mouth; close your lips, swallow, and at the same time try to breath through your nose. Air will go into your lungs ONLY after you finished swallowing.
Now, imagine that you are drinking milk (or anything else) and as you're swallowing the white stuff, someone cracks a joke and you start to laugh. As you do so, milk may back up into your nasal cavity and come out your nostrils. Disgusting, but funny to a certain extent.
Do you "need" a uvula? No, people can live very happily without uvulas and learn to control the swallowing process so that food (or fluid) will not enter their nasal cavity.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
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Does the uvula help in producing sounds and speech?
Scientist still aren't completely sure about the function/s of the uvula. However, they believe that it produces saliva which lubricates the mouth. This in turn helps with speech. So yes , the uvula does help with speech.
What is the thing in the back of your mouth?
It is called your Uvula (or palatine uvula) and is connective tissue. It has no real function although some believe it helps with articulation of sound.The uvula is a muscle (muscularis uvulae) covered by mucosa. The uvula serves the function of closing the nasopharynx while swallowing so that food and liquid does not go into your nose when swallowing. However, most people do not need the entire uvula to perform this function. It is commonly removed in surgery performed for snoring or obstructive sleep apnea without causing nasopharyngeal regurgitation. It does indeed help with resonance of sound, but not with articulation.
What does the uvula do?
The uvula is a nifty bit of tissue that hangs in the back of your mouth. It plays a function in creating guttural sounds in languages like German, and the click sounds of some African languages.It does not cover the windpipe during eating and drinking. That is the function of the epiglottis.It does however block the nasopharynx and prevents food from entering the nasal cavity.If you mean what Does the uvula do, it protects your airway so food doesnt take the wrong turn. If food does go in, it will have to touch the uvula then it sinals your stomach to throw up to wash away the food.It stimulates the gag reflexOtolaryngologists (Ear, Nose, and Throat doctors) are still pondering that mystery! There really is no consensus on what it's for, most people agree that it has no significant purpose.The uvula's actual purpose remains unknown. It can be used to make different sounds in some languages, though.
Why do you call anything anything?
Its a other 'PHRASE' for something but loads of other things following it Sorry if it doest help
How does the stepping reflex help the fetus develop?
It will develop walking.
Where could a support group for those with reflex sympathetic dystrophy be found?
"To find a support group for those with reflex sympathetic dystrophy, you can try the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association, where they can help you fully."
How does the vestibulo-ocular reflex help you?
It helps your mom and bob joe
Can healing restore the gag reflex?
The gag reflex is often more neurological than physical. Healing can maybe help, but it really has to do with smells and tastes.
What do reflex tests measure?
Reflex tests measure the presence and strength of a number of reflexes. In so doing, they help to assess the integrity of the nerve circuits involved.
What is the organ at back of mouth where both food and air may pass?
You probably mean the uvula. It's main purpose is to help keep food out of the sinuses. The opening to the nasopharynx is right behind the uvula. As you swallow, you tighten the muscles of the soft palate and the food pushes against the uvula, making it more difficult for food to go towards the sinuses. Sometimes small and hard pieces of food get around the uvula and the partially constricted nasopharynx, and it is uncomfortable. If you are referring to the passageway instead, that is the pharynx, or "throat." Then below that is the epiglottis, and that is what enables you to swallow, or breathe when it is relaxed.
Does sugar and water help acne?
Yes and no. Sugar will not help. if anything it will make it worse. On the other hand water will help.
How can you help other?
Every one can help others. most of the time, you can just ask someone if they want a hand with anything, of if you can do anything for them. if it's your friends, just be there for them, and help by giving them advice when they need it.
