UVULA Meaning and
Definition
-
The uvula is a small, fleshy, conical-shaped structure located at the back of the mouth, suspended from the soft palate. It is composed of muscular tissue, connective tissue, and a layer of mucous membrane. The uvula is one of the structures that form part of the oropharynx, which is the area connecting the mouth to the throat.
Functionally, the uvula serves various roles. During swallowing, the uvula helps prevent food and liquid from entering the nasopharynx by closing off the nasopharyngeal opening. This action is crucial in directing food down the esophagus rather than upwards towards the nasal cavity. Additionally, the uvula plays a role in speech production. It helps in producing certain sounds, particularly in some languages that feature the guttural or uvular sounds.
Although the uvula generally goes unnoticed, it can sometimes become swollen or elongated due to various factors such as infections, allergies, or excessive snoring. In some cases, an enlarged uvula may obstruct the airway, causing difficulty in breathing or sleep disturbances. Treatment options for such conditions may include medical interventions to reduce inflammation or in severe cases, surgical removal of the uvula.
In summary, the uvula is a small, soft, and muscular structure located at the back of the mouth. It has important functions in swallowing and speech production, and its abnormal enlargement can result in breathing or sleep-related complications.
-
1. Pendulum palati, a conical projection from the posterior edge of the middle of the soft palate; it is composed of connective tissue containing a number of racemose glands, and some muscular fibers (azygos uvulae muscle). 2. A triangular elevation on the vermis of the cerebellum, lying between the two tonsils anterior to the pyramis. 3. One of several anatomical structures bearing a fancied resemblance to the palatine uvula.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
-
In anat., the fleshy conical body suspended from the middle of the lower border of the soft palate.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for UVULA
Etymology of UVULA
The word "uvula" comes from the Latin word "uvula", which means "small bunch of grapes" or "little grape". This is because the shape of the uvula resembles a grape or a small bunch of grapes hanging down from the back of the soft palate in the mouth. The Latin word "uvula" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*webh-" which means "to move back and forth" or "to weave", referencing the swaying movement of the uvula in the mouth.
Similar spelling words for UVULA
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
