Uvula palatina

The palatine uvula, usually referred to as simply the uvula, is a conic projection from the back edge of the middle of the soft palate, composed of connective tissue containing a number of racemose glands, and some muscular fibers.

It also contains many serous glands, which produce thin saliva.

Structure Muscle

The muscular part of the uvula (Latin: musculus uvulae) 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.

Its muscles are controlled by the pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve.