The Riddle of the Uvula

@article{Finkelstein1992TheRO,
  title={The Riddle of the Uvula},
  author={Yehuda Finkelstein and Asher Meshorer and Yoav P. Talmi and Yuval Zohar and Jonas Brenner and Rivkah Gal},
  journal={Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery},
  year={1992},
  volume={107},
  pages={444 - 450}
}
Since ancient times, the uvula has been a subject of interesting and contradictory observations. On the one hand, it was regarded as having a functional role in speech and in immunology, but on the other hand it was regarded as a potentially hazardous organ, possibly responsible for sudden infant death syndrome. None of these hypotheses, however, has been proved. In a previous study on patients undergoing uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, we suggested that the most important function of the uvula is… 
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An Elongated Uvula Producing Chronic Cough
  • F. R. Miller, H. Tucker
  • Medicine
    Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
  • 1993
TLDR
A case of an elongated uvula producing chronic cough and episodes of laryngospasm is described, which may represent a phylogenetic development of an accessory speech organ specialized for lubrication and maintenance of voice.
Uvulectomy--the making of a ritual.
  • L. Hunter
  • Medicine
    South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
  • 1995
TLDR
The removal of the ·uvula raises the expectation that uvular sounds cannot be produced and that there might be problems with hypernasality, but in none of the sources on uvulectomy in Africa is any speech problem mentioned; it seems likely that although the uvula can be an articulator, it need not be.
Why do we have a uvula?: literature review and a new theory.
TLDR
A theory that the uvula bastes the throat and thereby helps keep it moist and well lubricated is proposed.
Prevalence of bifid uvula in primary school children.
Structure of the human uvula.
TLDR
The localization and architecture of connective tissue elements and mast cells are consistent with the ability of the uvula to resist mechanical stresses and to develop oedema and fibrosis, respectively.
A quantitative study of the equine soft palate using histomorphometry.
The Significance of Uvula After Palatoplasty
TLDR
The uvula was a significant concern to the parents of cleft patients and should be given more attention during repair, and the described technique had better aesthetic outcome over the conventional one of combining the 2 hemi-uvulae.
Infantile asphyxia due to aberrant uvula--an anatomic misadventure.
Histopathologic changes of the soft palate after laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty.
TLDR
Extensive thermal-induced changes, involving the 3 layers of the organ, were found and are probably responsible for the worsening of the obstructive sleep apnea status and the sensation of the pharyngeal dryness that developed months after the laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty.
A critique on Avicenna’s (980 – 1037 A.D) studies on anatomy of the upper respiratory system and some otorhinolaryngologic concepts
TLDR
The findings show that Ibn Sina’s contributions had a major influence on the development and advancement of medical practise and show that the Canon of Medicine is still a valuable book in the study of the history of medicine.
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References

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TLDR
The uvula massages and moistens the posterior pharyngeal wall and aids in removing and moving downward material from this wall, and is a valuable aid in guarding against middle ear disease in childhood.
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TLDR
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TLDR
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TLDR
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