Uvula

Healthwise
By Jeannette Curtis; Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS

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The uvula is the small fingerlike piece of tissue that hangs down from the soft palate in the back of the throat. It can usually be seen when a person opens his or her mouth wide.

Although its purpose is not known, some experts believe that the uvula helps keep food from going down the breathing passage when a person swallows.

Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:
Last Updated: 05/25/2007

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