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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.
What else can I help you with?
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 is in the back of the throat that looks lie a small tongue?
The small structure at the back of the throat that resembles a small tongue is called the uvula. It hangs down from the soft palate and plays a role in speech and swallowing by helping to prevent food from entering the nasal cavity. The uvula also contributes to the gag reflex and may help in producing certain sounds during speech.
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 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.
What gland of the uvula allows it to secrete fluid?
The uvula is an extension of the soft palate of the oral cavity and does not contain any glands that secrete fluid.
Does the uvula move?
Yes, the uvula is a small, fleshy extension at the back of the throat that can move. Its primary function is to help with speech production and swallowing by sealing off the nasal passages during swallowing to prevent food and liquid from entering the nose.
What kind of tissue is the uvula made of?
The uvula is primarily composed of connective tissue, muscles, and mucous membrane. Its main function is to help with swallowing and speech by preventing food and liquids from going up into the nasal cavity.
What is a reflex that compliments a withdrawal reflex by making compensatory adjustments on the opposite side of the body receiving the stimulus?
The crossed extensor reflex complements the withdrawal reflex by causing compensatory adjustments on the opposite side of the body receiving the stimulus. For example, if you step on a sharp object and withdraw your foot on one side, the crossed extensor reflex will help to support your body weight and maintain balance on the other side.
Why do you call anything anything?
Its a other 'PHRASE' for something but loads of other things following it Sorry if it doest help
What reflex kicks in if your epiglottis reflex malfunctions?
The cough reflex is responsible for protecting the airway if the epiglottis malfunctions. This reflex helps to clear the airway of any potential blockages or irritants by forcefully exhaling air. If the epiglottis doesn't close properly, the cough reflex can help prevent aspiration into the lungs.
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."
