Question

what is uvula?

Answer 1

Uvula is comical projection present at end of middle of the soft palate.

it contains serous glands, racemose glands and muscular fibers.

The muscular part of the uvula helps in shortening and broadening of the uvula. This movements helps the soft palate to adapt closely to the posterior pharyngeal wall to help close the nasopharyngeal during swallowing. So overall it helps in preventing food entering the nasal cavity.

the muscles of the uvula are inervated by pharyngeal branch of vagus nerve.

salivary glands in the uvula helps in lubrication of throat.

it helps in articulation Of wide range of consonant sounds known as uvula consonants.

stimulation of uvula causes the gag reflex to initiate.