|
That "dangly thing at the back of your throat," sort of between your tonsils, is called the uvula. It's part of the soft palate, a structure that helps make up the vocal tract. Although the uvula is used to make certain sounds in other languages (though not in English), its exact function remains unknown. Even otolaryngologists, medical professionals who specialize in the ears, nose, and throat, still ponder this mysterious little appendage. Most of the
information we found came from sites about snoring and sleep disorders, or from pediatric articles for parents. We learned the soft palate guards the opening to the throat, windpipe, and lungs. Designed to prevent food and drink from going back up into the nose when you swallow, the gag reflex that occurs when something touches the uvula also protects against choking hazards. Uvulitis is an infection of the uvula similar to strep throat. Some children have an extra-long uvula, which seems to make them more prone to gagging or vomiting. In certain individuals, the uvula is forked. In others, it is missing. Some singers claim it enhances their vibrato. We even found one self-described online uvulator, who has published audio files of his uvula gurgle and clicking sounds. He's even developed a uvula smiley: :-(}) Now, aren't you glad you asked?!
|
