The Palatine Uvula

What is it?

The Uvula is that hanging tissue at the back of the oral cavity. It derives its name from the Latin word ’uva’ meaning grape. ‘Uvola’ was the Latin diminutive from ‘uva’.

It is a piece of flesh like a tiny elongated grape hanging down from, and laterally centered on, the rear part of the soft palate. It is formed of muscle fibers as well as connective and glandular tissue. Contrary to depiction in animated films, it is only found in humans.

The Role

The uvula is tiny but very important. It is said to have multiple functions. While swallowing, together with the soft palate, it moves up to close the nasal opening nasopharynx, thus preventing any food particles from entering there. If it does not, food particles may enter the breathing path, and ultimately end up in the lungs. Nasal regurgitation will normally occur, to expel the particles from the breathing channel.

It has a role in speech in many languages, e.g. Hebrew, Arabic, Urdu, Persian, German, and French. Together with the soft palate it produces the guttural sounds and vibrations. The English language does not use it.

A secretion from it keeps the throat and back of the tongue moist and free of bacteria. Another role of the uvula is to help in draining mucus and other secretions from the nose.

If it is touched accidentally or intentionally, vomiting will be caused. This is called the gag reflex. This may be resorted to in case of poisoning when other emetic treatment may not be possible.

Disorders of Uvula

In some patients, the uvula may be too small, or may fail to close nasopharynx properly.  In medical terms it is known as velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). VPI has two adverse effects. Firstly, there is the possible entry of food particles into the nasal region, which will immediately result in a nasal regurgitation. The second is a speech deficiency where the patient will pronounce the sound ‘b’ as ‘m.’

An excessively long uvula can contribute to snoring, and possibly sleep apnea. In such cases, surgery may be used to remove the excess part of the uvula. However, data indicates that such surgery has not given permanent relief and may cause infection, which can lead to further complications. Laser surgery in this area is also said to not be very successful.

Inflammation or swelling is another very common problem with uvula. It will not cause death, but it can give a feeling of choking or gagging while eating. Breathing and talking may also become difficult.

Common reasons for the swelling of the uvula are viral or bacterial infection, allergy, and trauma.   Rarely, dehydration may also cause the uvula to swell. In some cases an ulcer on the uvula may also cause the choking and gagging feeling discussed above. The ulcer will also result in pain.

Ailments of the uvula will normally be treated by the ENT specialist, and rarely by the dentist.

Bifid Uvula

A split or cleft uvula (having two lobes) is called a bifid uvula. The incidence of cleft palate is correlated with bifid uvula. It can lead to problems in swallowing and speech. It can also cause infections of the middle ear. The normal treatment is surgery, but sometimes a special appliance may be fitted by the prosthodontist to correct it.

Small but Mighty

As you can see, the Uvula is vital to not only your oral health but your bodily wellness as a whole. Rinsing with mouthwash or gurgling with salt water are two great ways to keep the tissue of the uvula clear of debris and working properly. As with your entire oral cavity, if you care for it well it can reduce the chances of expensive and time consuming problems later on.