# Uvula

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Fleshy appendage that hangs from the back of the palate

For other uses, see [Uvula of cerebellum](/source/Uvula_of_cerebellum) and [Uvula of urinary bladder](/source/Uvula_of_urinary_bladder).

Uvula Uvula of an adult Details Pronunciation /ˈjuːvjʊlə/ ⓘ Location Human mouth Identifiers Latin uvula palatina MeSH D014609 TA98 A05.2.01.004 TA2 2781 FMA 55022 Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

The **uvula** (pl.: **uvulas** or **uvulae**), also known as the **palatine uvula** or **staphyle**, is a conic projection from the back edge of the middle of the [soft palate](/source/Soft_palate), composed of [connective tissue](/source/Connective_tissue) containing a number of [racemose glands](/source/Alveolar_gland), and some muscular fibers.[1][2] It also contains many [serous glands](/source/Serous_gland), which produce thin saliva.[3] Only humans have a uvula.[4][5]

## Structure

### Muscle

Main article: [Musculus uvulae](/source/Musculus_uvulae)

The muscular part of the uvula ([Latin](/source/Latin_language): *musculus uvulae*) shortens and broadens the uvula. This changes the contour of the posterior part of the soft palate. This change in contour allows the soft palate to adapt closely to the posterior [pharyngeal](/source/Pharynx) wall to help close the [nasopharynx](/source/Pharynx#Nasopharynx) during swallowing.[6]

Its muscles are controlled by the [pharyngeal branch](/source/Pharyngeal_branch_of_vagus_nerve) of the [vagus nerve](/source/Vagus_nerve).

### Variation

The bifid uvula of a 24-year-old woman

A bifid or [bifurcated](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/bifurcation) uvula is a split or cleft uvula. Newborns with [cleft palate](/source/Cleft_lip_and_palate) often also have a split uvula. The bifid uvula results from incomplete fusion of the palatine shelves but it is considered only a slight form of clefting. Bifid uvulas have less muscle in them than a normal uvula, which may cause recurring problems with middle ear infections. While swallowing, the soft palate is pushed backwards, preventing food and drink from entering the nasal cavity. When the soft palate fails to close against the back of the throat during swallowing, food and liquid may pass into the nasal cavity.[7] Splitting of the uvula occurs infrequently but is the most common form of mouth and nose area cleavage among newborns. Bifid uvula occurs in about 2% of the general population,[8] although some populations may have a high incidence, such as [Native Americans](/source/Indigenous_peoples_of_the_Americas) who have a 10% rate.[9]

Bifid uvula is a common symptom of the rare genetic syndrome [Loeys–Dietz syndrome](/source/Loeys%E2%80%93Dietz_syndrome),[10] which is associated with an increased risk of aortic aneurysm.[11]

## Function

During swallowing, the soft palate and the uvula move together to close off the [nasopharynx](/source/Nasopharynx), and prevent food from entering the [nasal cavity](/source/Nasal_cavity).

It has also been proposed that the abundant amount of thin saliva produced by the uvula serves to keep the throat well lubricated.[3]

It has a function in speech as well. In many languages, a range of consonant sounds, known as [uvular consonants](/source/Uvular_consonant), are articulated by creating a constriction of airflow between the uvula and the back of the tongue. The [voiced uvular trill](/source/Voiced_uvular_trill), written [ʀ] in the [International Phonetic Alphabet](/source/International_Phonetic_Alphabet), is one example; it is used in [French](/source/French_language), [Arabic](/source/Arabic) and [Hebrew](/source/Hebrew), among other languages. It has been suggested that the uvula is an accessory speech organ.[4]

Stimulation of the uvula also causes the [gag reflex](/source/Gag_reflex) to initiate. This is often a problem for people with [uvula piercings](/source/Uvula_piercing), and a common method of inducing vomiting.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] It also acts as a food sensor/guard that aids in breathing between mouthfuls, stopping small pieces of food from being inhaled, leading to choking.

## Clinical significance

### Inflammation

A swollen uvula with additional upper mouth ulcer in a run-down adult (common cold)

At times, the [mucous membrane](/source/Mucous_membrane) around the uvula may [swell](/source/Swelling_(medical)), causing the uvula to expand 3–5 times its normal size. This condition is known as uvulitis. When the uvula touches the throat or tongue, it can cause sensations like gagging or choking, although there is no foreign matter present. This can cause problems with breathing, talking, and eating.

There are many theories about what causes the uvula to swell, including [dehydration](/source/Dehydration) (e.g. from arid weather); excessive [smoking](/source/Tobacco_smoking) or other inhaled irritants; [snoring](/source/Snoring); [allergic reaction](/source/Allergic_reaction); or a [viral](/source/Virus) or [bacterial infection](/source/Bacterial_infection). An [aphthous ulcer](/source/Aphthous_ulcer) which has formed on the uvula can also cause swelling and discomfort.[12]

If the swelling is caused by dehydration, drinking fluids may improve the condition. If the cause is a bacterial infection, [gargling](/source/Gargling) salt water may help. However, it can also be a sign of other problems. Some people with a history of recurring uvulitis carry an [epinephrine autoinjector](/source/Epinephrine_autoinjector) to counteract symptoms of an attack. A swollen uvula is not normally life-threatening and subsides in a short time, typically within a day.

### Snoring and sleep apnea

The uvula can also contribute to [snoring](/source/Snoring) or heavy breathing during sleep; having an elongated uvula can cause vibrations that lead to snoring. In some cases this can lead to [sleep apnea](/source/Sleep_apnea), which may be treated by removal of the uvula or part of it if necessary, an operation known as [uvulopalatopharyngoplasty](/source/Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) (commonly referred to as UPPP, or UP3). However, this operation can also cause sleep apnea if [scar](/source/Scar) tissue forms and the airspace in the velopharynx is decreased. The success of UPPP as a treatment for sleep apnea is unknown, but some research has shown 40–60% effectiveness in reducing symptoms.[13] Typically apnea subsides for the short term, but returns over the medium to long term, and sometimes is worse than it was before the UPPP.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

### Velopharyngeal insufficiency

In a small number of people, the uvula does not close properly against the back of the throat, causing a condition known as [velopharyngeal insufficiency](/source/Velopharyngeal_insufficiency). This causes "nasal" (or more properly "hyper-nasal") speech, where extra air comes down the nose, and the speaker is unable to say certain consonants, such as pronouncing [[b](/source/Voiced_bilabial_plosive)] like [[m](/source/Voiced_bilabial_nasal)].

### Nasal regurgitation

During swallowing, the soft palate and the uvula move superiorly to close off the [nasopharynx](/source/Nasopharynx), preventing food from entering the [nasal cavity](/source/Nasal_cavity). When this process fails, the result is called *nasal regurgitation*. It is common in people with [VPI](/source/Velopharyngeal_insufficiency), the [myositides](/source/Myositis), and [neuromuscular disease](/source/Neuromuscular_disease). Regurgitation of fluids in this way may also occur if a particularly high volume of liquid is regurgitated, or during vigorous coughing, for example being caused by the accidental inhalation of water. Due to the action of coughing preventing the uvula from blocking the nasopharynx, liquid may be expelled back through the nose.

## Society and culture

A child's swollen uvula with [tonsils](/source/Tonsils)

In some parts of Africa, including [Somalia](/source/Somalia), [Ethiopia](/source/Ethiopia) and [Eritrea](/source/Eritrea), the uvula or a section of it is ritually removed by a traditional healer.[14] In this case, the uvula may be noticeably shortened. It is not thought to contribute to [velopharyngeal inadequacy](/source/Velopharyngeal_inadequacy), except in cases where the tonsils have also been removed.[15]

## History

### Etymology

In Latin, *[ūvula](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/uvula#Latin)* means "little grape", the diminutive form of *[ūva](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/uva#Latin)* "grape" (of unknown origin). A swollen uvula was called *ūva*.[16]

## See also

This article uses [anatomical terminology](/source/Anatomical_terminology).

- [Epiglottis](/source/Epiglottis)

- [Tonsil](/source/Tonsil)

- [Uvula (disambiguation)](/source/Uvula_(disambiguation))

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["eMedicine Definition"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080216000915/http://www.emedicine.com/asp/dictionary.asp?exact=Y). Archived from [the original](http://www.emedicine.com/asp/dictionary.asp?exact=Y&keyword=palatine+uvula) on 2008-02-16. Retrieved 2008-05-03.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Ten Cate's Oral Histology, Nanci, Elsevier, 2007, page 321

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Nadig_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Nadig_3-1) Back, GW; Nadig, S; Uppal, S; Coatesworth, AP (December 2004). "Why do we have a uvula?: literature review and a new theory". *Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences*. **29** (6): 689–93. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1111/j.1365-2273.2004.00886.x](https://doi.org/10.1111%2Fj.1365-2273.2004.00886.x). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [15533161](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15533161).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-UvulaOrigin_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-UvulaOrigin_4-1) Finkelstein Y, Meshorer A, Talmi Y, Zohar Y, Brenner J, Gal R (1992). "The riddle of the uvula". *Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg*. **107** (3): 444–50. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1177/019459989210700318](https://doi.org/10.1177%2F019459989210700318). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [1408233](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1408233). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [25135787](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:25135787).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Animal Uvulas"](https://www.scienceupdate.com/2006/09/animal-uvulas/). *Science Update*. 1999-11-30. Retrieved 2026-02-02.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Illustrated Anatomy of the Head and Neck, Fehrenbach and Herring, Elsevier, 2012, page 108

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Split Uvula: Is It a Problem?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20071014220221/http://health.ivillage.com/dental/0,,6hlv,00.html). Archived from [the original](http://health.ivillage.com/dental/0,,6hlv,00.html) on 14 October 2007. Retrieved 23 September 2007.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Shu, M.D., Jennifer (April 12, 2010). ["Will a bifid uvula cause any problems?"](http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/expert.q.a/04/12/bifid.uvula.shu/index.html). [CNN](/source/CNN). Retrieved 2010-08-07.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** McMillan, Julia A.; Feigin, Ralph D.; DeAngelis, Catherine; Jones, M. Douglas (2006). [*Oski's pediatrics: principles & practice*](https://books.google.com/books?id=VbjFQiz8aR0C&q=bifid+uvula+native+americans&pg=RA1-PA469) (4th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 469. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-7817-3894-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7817-3894-1).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Loeys-Dietz Syndrom Foundation"](http://www.loeysdietz.org/medical.php). Retrieved 25 March 2010.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Vilacosta, Isidre; Godoy, Victoria Cañadas (2008). "Bifid Uvula and Aortic Aneurysm". *New England Journal of Medicine*. **359** (2): e2. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1056/NEJMicm070582](https://doi.org/10.1056%2FNEJMicm070582). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [18614778](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18614778).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Biblo LA, Gilbert IA (May 1983). "Aphthous ulcer of the uvula and the painful burp". *N. Engl. J. Med*. **308** (19): 1168. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1056/NEJM198305123081922](https://doi.org/10.1056%2FNEJM198305123081922). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [6835348](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6835348).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-upppstat_13-0)** Lehnert, Paul (3 August 2005). ["Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea"](http://www.webmd.com/hw/sleep_disorders/hw48958.asp#ug3207). Retrieved 26 October 2006.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** [Ethiopian Refugees](https://web.archive.org/web/20030724213921/http://www3.baylor.edu/~Charles_Kemp/ethiopian_refugees.htm)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Hartley B, Rowe-Jones J (1994). "Uvulectomy to prevent throat infections". *J Laryngol Otol*. **108** (1): 65–6. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1017/s0022215100125873](https://doi.org/10.1017%2Fs0022215100125873). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [8133174](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8133174).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** [*The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language*](https://archive.org/details/americanheritage0000unse_a1o7) (4th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 2000. p. [1896](https://archive.org/details/americanheritage0000unse_a1o7/page/1896). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0618082308](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0618082308).

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Palatine uvula](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Palatine_uvula).

- *[MedlinePlus Encyclopedia](/source/MedlinePlus)*: [001257](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001257.htm) - Uvulitis

v t e Anatomy of the mouth Lip Vermilion border Cupid's bow Frenulum of lower lip Labial commissure of mouth Philtrum White roll Cheek Buccal fat pad Palate Hard palate Soft palate Palatine raphe Incisive papilla Gums Interdental papilla Gingival sulcus Gingival margin Gingival fibers Junctional epithelium Mucogingival junction Sulcular epithelium Stippling Periodontium Cementum Philtrum Gingiva Periodontal ligament Glands Parotid gland duct Submandibular gland duct Sublingual gland duct Tubarial salivary gland Teeth see tooth anatomy Tongue Top Taste bud Median sulcus Terminal sulcus Foramen cecum Lingual tonsils Underside Frenulum Fimbriated fold Sublingual caruncle Glossoepiglottic folds Lingual septum Back of mouth Oropharynx fauces Plica semilunaris of the fauces Uvula Palatoglossal arch Palatopharyngeal arch Tonsillar fossa Palatine tonsil

Authority control databases Terminologia Anatomica

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Uvula](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uvula) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uvula?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.