Palatine uvula
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[[WP:UNDO|Undid]] revision 225151917 by [[Special:Contributions/220.239.61.29|220.239.61.29]] ([[User talk:220.239.61.29|talk]])(vandalism)
{{Infobox Anatomy |
Name = {{PAGENAME}} |
Latin = uvula palatina |
GraySubject = 241 |
GrayPage = 1112 |
Image = Tonsils diagram.jpg |
Caption = Diagram showing the human mouth. |
Image2 = Throat with Tonsils 0011J.jpeg |
Caption2 = Photograph of oral cavity showing throat|
Precursor = |
System = |
Artery = |
Vein = |
Nerve = |
Lymph = |
MeshName = Uvula |
MeshNumber = A14.549.61back of the [[throat]]. The word is derived from the diminutive of ''uva'', the [[Latin]] word for "7.780.729 |
DorlandsPre = u_04 |
DorlandsSuf = 12841620 |
}}
{{redirect|Uvula|the urogential uvula|Uvula of urinary bladder}}
The '''uvula''' ({{pronEng|ˈjuːvjələ}}) is the conic projection from the posterior edge of the middle of the [[soft palate]], composed of connective tissue containing a number of [[racemose gland]]s, and some muscular fibers ([[uvulae muscle]]).<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.emedicine.com/asp/dictionary.asp?exact=Y&keyword=palatine+uvula|title=eMedicine Definition}}</ref>
==Function in voice==
The uvula plays a key role in the articulation of the sound of the [[human voice]] to form the sounds of speech.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Finkelstein Y, Meshorer A, Talmi Y, Zohar Y, Brenner J, Gal R | title = The riddle of the uvula. | journal = Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg | volume = 107 | issue = 3 | pages = 444–50 | year = 1992 | pmid = 1408233}}</ref>
It functions in tandem with the back of the throat, the palate, and [[air]] coming up from the [[lungs]] to create a number of [[guttural consonant|guttural]] and other sounds. [[Consonant]]s pronounced with the uvula are not found in [[English language|English]]; however, languages such as [[Arabic language|Arabic]], [[French language|French]], [[German language|German]], [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], [[Ubykh language|Ubykh]], and [[Hmong language|Hmong]] use [[uvular consonant]]s to varying degrees. Certain [[African languages]] use the uvula to produce [[click consonant]]s as well. In English (as well as many other languages), it closes to prevent air escaping through the nose when making some sounds.
[[Anita O'Day]], a popular big band singer, lost her uvula by a 'slip of the knife' during a childhood surgery. This affected her voice by eliminating [[vibrato]], she said, in an interview with [[Terry Gross]] of [[NPR]]'s "[[Fresh Air]]" radio show.
==Pathology==
===Universal Emetic===
Massaging the uvula causes the [[gag reflex]] to initiate and expel stomach contents, providing a universal alternative to [[Syrup of ipecac | ipecac]]. However, frequently inducing vomiting (as seen in [[bulimia nervosa]], an [[eating disorder]]) can result in damage to the lining of the [[esophagus]] and other long term health problems, such as rotting of the [[teeth]] and [[gums]].
===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]] or VPI. This causes "nasal" (or more properly "hyper-nasal") speech, where a lot of extra air comes down the nose, and the speaker is unable to say certain consonants, for example producing the sound /b/ like /m/.
===Snoring and sleep apnea===
The uvula can also contribute to [[snoring]] or heavy breathing during sleep; having an elongated uvula can cause vibrations which lead to the snoring. In some cases this can lead to [[sleep apnea]], which may be treated by removal of the uvula or part of it if necessary, an operation known as [[uvulopalatopharyngoplasty]] (commonly referred to as [[UPPP]], or U3P). However, this operation can also cause sleep apnea if [[scar]] tissue forms and the airspace in the velopharnyx 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.<ref name="upppstat">{{cite web
| last = Lehnert
| first = Paul
| title = Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea
| publisher =
| date = [[2005-08-03]]
| url = http://www.webmd.com/hw/sleep_disorders/hw48958.asp#ug3207
| accessdate = 2006-10-26 }}</ref> 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.
===Nasal regurgitation===
During swallowing, the soft palate and the uvula move superiorly to close off the [[nasopharynx]], preventing food from entering the [[nasal cavity]]. When this process fails, the result is called ''nasal regurgitation.'' It is common in people with VPI, the myositides and [[neuromuscular disorder]]s.
===Uvulitis ===
{{Unreferencedsection|date=May 2008}}
[[Image:Swollenuvula.jpg|thumb|right|A child's swollen uvula with [[tonsils]]]]
At times, the [[mucous membrane]] around the uvula may [[swelling|swell]], causing the uvula to expand 3–5 times its normal size. When the uvula touches the throat or tongue, it can cause sensations like gagging or choking, even though there is no foreign matter present. This can cause problems breathing, talking, and eating.
There are many theories about what causes the uvula to swell, including [[dehydration]] (e.g. from arid weather); excessive [[tobacco smoking|smoking]] or other inhaled irritants; [[snoring]]; [[allergic reaction]]; or a [[virus|viral]] or [[bacterial infection]].
If the swelling is caused by dehydration, drinking fluids may improve the condition. If the cause is a bacterial infection, [[gargling]] salt water may help. However, it can also be a sign of other problems. Some people with a history or recurring uvulitis have to carry an [[EpiPen]] containing [[Adrenaline]] ([[Epinephrine]]) to inject themselves whenever the uvulitis begins. A swollen uvula is normally not life threatening and subsides in a short time, typically within a day.{{fact|date=June 2008}}
===Bifid uvula===
[[Image:Bifid uvula.JPG|thumb|right|A bifid or cleft uvula.]]
[[Image:Tanya_Uvula.jpg|thumb|right|The bifid uvula of a 24 year old Russian woman.]]
A bifid uvula is a split or cleft uvula. Newborns with [[cleft lip and palate|cleft palate]] also have a split uvula. The bifid uvula results from failure of complete fusion of the medial [[nasal process|nasal]] and [[Maxillary prominence|maxillary process]]es. Bifid uvulas have less muscle in them than a normal uvula, this may cause recurring problems with middle ear infections. While swallowing, the soft palate is pushed backwards. This prevents food and drink from entering the nasal cavity; if the soft palate cannot touch the back of the throat while swallowing, food and drink can enter the nasal cavity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://health.ivillage.com/dental/0,,6hlv,00.html |title=Split Uvula: Is It a Problem? |accessdate=2007-09-23 |format= |work=}}</ref> Splitting of the uvula occurs infrequently but is the most common form of mouth and nose area cleavage among newborns (roughly 2% of infants have this ''bifid'' or split uvula). Bifid uvula occurs in about 1% of Caucasians and 10% of Native Americans.
== Partial removal==
In some parts of Africa, including [[Ethiopia]] and [[Eritrea]], part of the uvula may be removed by a traditional healer to prevent throat infections.<ref>[http://www3.baylor.edu/~Charles_Kemp/ethiopian_refugees.htm Ethiopian Refugees<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In this case, the uvula may be noticeably shortened. It is not thought to contribute to VPI, except in cases where the tonsils have also been removed.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Hartley B, Rowe-Jones J | title = Uvulectomy to prevent throat infections. | journal = J Laryngol Otol | volume = 108 | issue = 1 | pages = 65–6 | year = 1994 | pmid = 8133174}}</ref>
== In fashion ==
Today, the uvula is one of many body parts that people [[Body piercing|pierce]]. However, [[uvula piercing]]s are very dangerous compared to other forms of [[body piercing]], as the risks involved include swelling, throat [[edema]], choking, and uvular infection.
==Additional images==
<gallery>
Image:Illu mouth.jpg|Mouth (oral cavity).
Image:Gray1201.png|The mouth cavity. The cheeks have been slit transversely and the tongue pulled forward.
Image:Gray1203.png|Front of nasal part of pharynx, as seen with the laryngoscope.
Image:Uvue.jpg|A child showing his uvula, [[tonsil]]s, [[soft palate]], and [[tongue]] to the doctor at his checkup.
</gallery>
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
== External links ==
* {{MedlinePlus|001257}} - Uvulitis
{{Head and neck general}}
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