Are the Uvulla and the epiglottis the same thing? Or do they do the same work? If not, then what are their respective functions!
Are the Uvulla and the epiglottis the same thing? Or do they do the same work? If not, then what are their respective functions!
What are the differences between the uvula and the epiglottis?
The uvula is a soft tissue structure that is wedge-shaped while the epiglottis is a cartilaginous flap that is leaf-shaped [3]. While the uvula is located at the base of the tongue, the epiglottis on the other hand is situated on the cranial portion of the laryngeal prosthesis. One of the main functions of the uvula is to help produce sound while the epiglottis aids in preventing food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing [6]. The uvula also aids in sending signals to the brain when food brushes against it in an attempt to close the epiglottis and prevent food from entering the trachea.
What is the function of the uvula?
While the exact function of the uvula is still unknown, certain studies have shown that it may play a role in excreting saliva and helping to close the epiglottis. This functions as a kind of trigger-like action to prevent food from entering the trachea. When food brushes against the uvula, a signal is sent to the brain which stimulates the closing of the epiglottis. It has further been suggested that the uvula may also aid in preventing food from entering the nasal cavities and serving as a drain for mucus [4]. The uvula seals off the passageway between the throat and nose which is known as the nasopharynx and assists with keeping food and liquid in the right place. This seal between the throat and nose is also thought to help prevent what some people refer to as a nasal-sounding voice by directing the air and vocal vibrations out of the mouth instead of the nose. In addition, the uvula may help to drain any mucus or direct the flow of mucus from the nasal cavities towards the base of the tongue and down the throat.
What is the function of the epiglottis?
The epiglottis is an important structure within our body located behind the hyoid bone in the neck. Its main function is to prevent food and liquid from entering the larynx area during swallowing. The neck muscles lift the hyoid bone causing the epiglottis to fold down and close the glottis [1]. This obstructs the airway which in turn diverts the swallowed food to the oesophagus. The epiglottis also plays an important role in the respiratory system. In fact, it is because of the epiglottis that we do not choke while eating or drinking as it closes off the entrance to the trachea. This diversion of swallowed particles to the oesophagus also means that the epiglottis plays an important role in digestion. Apart from aiding the delivery of food to the digestive system, the epiglottis also aids in channelling the eaten particles directly into the stomach. In addition to respiration and digestion, the epiglottis also plays a vital role in speech production by aiding the articulation of vowel and consonant sound production. During vowel production, the opening between the epiglottis and pharynx becomes larger while in the case of consonant production, it becomes smaller
What are the differences between the uvula and the epiglottis?
The uvula is a soft tissue structure that is wedge-shaped while the epiglottis is a cartilaginous flap that is leaf-shaped [3]. While the uvula is located at the base of the tongue, the epiglottis on the other hand is situated on the cranial portion of the laryngeal prosthesis. One of the main functions of the uvula is to help produce sound while the epiglottis aids in preventing food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing [6]. The uvula also aids in sending signals to the brain when food brushes against it in an attempt to close the epiglottis and prevent food from entering the trachea.
What is the function of the uvula?
While the exact function of the uvula is still unknown, certain studies have shown that it may play a role in excreting saliva and helping to close the epiglottis. This functions as a kind of trigger-like action to prevent food from entering the trachea. When food brushes against the uvula, a signal is sent to the brain which stimulates the closing of the epiglottis. It has further been suggested that the uvula may also aid in preventing food from entering the nasal cavities and serving as a drain for mucus [4]. The uvula seals off the passageway between the throat and nose which is known as the nasopharynx and assists with keeping food and liquid in the right place. This seal between the throat and nose is also thought to help prevent what some people refer to as a nasal-sounding voice by directing the air and vocal vibrations out of the mouth instead of the nose. In addition, the uvula may help to drain any mucus or direct the flow of mucus from the nasal cavities towards the base of the tongue and down the throat.
What is the function of the epiglottis?
The epiglottis is an important structure within our body located behind the hyoid bone in the neck. Its main function is to prevent food and liquid from entering the larynx area during swallowing. The neck muscles lift the hyoid bone causing the epiglottis to fold down and close the glottis [1]. This obstructs the airway which in turn diverts the swallowed food to the oesophagus. The epiglottis also plays an important role in the respiratory system. In fact, it is because of the epiglottis that we do not choke while eating or drinking as it closes off the entrance to the trachea. This diversion of swallowed particles to the oesophagus also means that the epiglottis plays an important role in digestion. Apart from aiding the delivery of food to the digestive system, the epiglottis also aids in channelling the eaten particles directly into the stomach. In addition to respiration and digestion, the epiglottis also plays a vital role in speech production by aiding the articulation of vowel and consonant sound production. During vowel production, the opening between the epiglottis and pharynx becomes larger while in the case of consonant production, it becomes smaller
