39.4K
UT😀 What is tissue in the back of the throat?
"It resembles a boxing speed bag and some refer to it as your "dangly thing." These descriptions would be inaccurate. So we're going to set the record straight on this somewhat odd-looking part of your mouth. The actual term for it is your uvula. It affects your eating and speaking and plays a significant role in your sleeping and throat health. Get the entire lowdown on your uvula below and how you can keep it fit as a fiddle.
Oral Anatomy
Before learning what your uvula does, it's good to understand where the uvula is located and what surrounds it. It falls within your mouth's palate. Your hard palate is at the front of your mouth, consisting of a more bony structure, while the fleshier part in the back of the oral cavity is the soft palate. There you'll find your uvula or palatine uvula. It's a fleshy teardrop-shaped piece of tissue that hangs at the end of your soft palate near your throat or pharynx.
What Does the Uvula Do?
You've learned where the uvula is situated. Now to its function. Years ago, before modern science, many thought the uvula didn't serve a purpose. That has since been debunked. So what does the uvula do? Plenty.
It stops food and liquid from entering your nasal cavity as it and the soft palate move upward when you swallow
It helps in your ability to speak
It stops you from choking as it triggers your gag reflex should a large piece of food or foreign object get to the back of your throat."
-Colgate.com
CLEFT OR BIFID UVULA
A bifid uvula can be harmless. Sometimes people have a bifid uvula without any problems.
-WebMD
*Video used with permission*
#dentalassistant #utah #uvula #teeth #oralanatomy #dentalassistingschool #dentalassistantschool #orem #dentallife #dds #utahgram #utahvalley #utahschool #tooth #april #utahphoto
@utahvalleydentalassisting
