What is the function of the uvula? Why does it swell up sometimes, does it have any nerves in it, and can you provide a site with a diagram?

gmackematix

Well let's start with the Wiki entry which tells us its role in the voice. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uvula With regard to nerves, a branch of the trigeminal nerve which also supplies the tonsils and the soft palate supplies the palatine uvula. Beyond that, the usually detailed Gray's Anatomy doesn't tell us much about this organ. And finally, the uvula seems to be composed of lymphoid tissue but I don't know if it plays a role in creating antibodies. Swelling of the uvula has a variety of causes in four main categories: tonsillitis, throat or mouth cavity infections, allergies and trauma. The later covers scraping during a tonsillectomy, someone grabbing hold of it, drinking something too cold or acidic that hits the uvula on the way past and causes it to react badly. Sep 10 05, 6:31 AM

JoshCaleb12

"someone grabbing hold of it..." ??? That I'd like to see... no, maybe I wouldn't... *Grin* Sep 11 05, 1:37 PM

gmackematix

Well maybe with a tool like a pair of tweezers and a bit of co-operation... No you're right, it probably isn't the number one cause of uvular tissue trauma. Sep 11 05, 7:23 PM

steeldocta

Grabbing hold of it isn't as uncommon as you might think. Under anaesthesia, nasogastric tubes are often passed with the use of Magill forceps [special tweezers] which can unintentionally traumatize the uvula and result in a sore throat lasting up to two weeks afterwards. Sep 25 07, 8:09 PM