The roof of the mouth is divided into two sections – the hard palate at the front and the soft palate at the back. The uvula hangs from the middle of the soft palate and lies a short distance above the back of the tongue. It is only a vestigial organ.
The uvula (pronounced is the 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).The musculus uvulae, which raises the uvula, originates at the palatine spine and inserts into the uvula.
It is variously described as U-shaped or tear-shaped, or classically speaking, grape-shaped; its name comes from the Latin word for grape.
Blue Uvula
Blue uvula is a classical sign in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea.The oxygen saturation is very low in these patients. Blue uvula, large toungue base ad retrognathia are 3 bad signs of OSA.
Blue uvula in sleep apnea patients
The uvula can also contribute to snoring or heavy breathing during sleep; having an elongated and thickend uvula can cause vibrations which lead to snoring.
The uvula has its own little muscle, the musculus uvulae, to help it stiffen and change shape, so it helps fill in the space at the back of the throat..
post op LAUP
The surgery, called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty-LAUP or CAUP are done by Laser or Coblator is to remove the Uvula and part of soft palate.
Dr Paulose is an ENT Consultant Plastic and Laser Surgeon with over 35 years of experience covering in Ear, Nose and Throat procedures, specializing in Laser Surgery and conventional medicine across India, U.K. and Middle East. He is currently engaged with the Jubilee Hospital, in Kerala, India.
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