Palatine uvula

Uvula
Uvula's location in the human mouth
Details
Identifiers
Latin	uvula palatina
MeSH	A14.549.617.780.729
TA	A05.2.01.004
FMA	55022
Anatomical terminology []

The palatine uvula, usually referred to as simply the uvula /ˈjuːvjʊlə/, is a conic projection from the posterior edge of the middle of the soft palate, composed of connective tissue containing a number of racemose glands, and some muscular fibers (musculus uvulae). It also contains a large number of serous glands that produce a lot of thin saliva.

The musculus uvulae, which lies entirely within the uvula, 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 wall to help close the nasopharynx during swallowing.

It is innervated by the pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X).

A bifid or uvula is a split or cleft uvula. Newborns with cleft 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. If the soft palate cannot touch the back of the throat while swallowing, food and drink can enter the nasal cavity. 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, although some populations may have a high incidence, such as Native Americans who have a 10% rate.

Bifid uvula is a common symptom of the rare genetic syndrome Loeys-Dietz syndrome, which is associated with an increased risk of aortic aneurysm.