Location: The uvula is a small teardrop-shaped piece of tissue that hangs from the back part of the mouth. The name is Latin for “little grape.”

Function: Aside from being extremely useful in cartoon drawings, the uvula plays a key role in creating sound and speech. Certain languages contain guttural sounds known as uvular consonants that could not be made without it. And several African languages include clicks using the uvula. Some scientists believe the uvula could be an evolutionary remnant that once helped mammals drink while bending over. Touching the uvula can cause the gag reflex, inducing vomiting.

Potential problems: When the uvula does not close properly against the back of the throat, it can cause a nasal-sounding speech pattern. It can also cause snoring and lead to sleep apnea. Some individuals have the uvula or part of it removed surgically to relieve symptoms. Uvulitis is the inflammation of the uvula. It can swell to three to five times its normal size. If it touches the tongue or throat it can cause a gagging sensation. Some babies are born with a split uvula, which can interfere with swallowing and lead to middle-ear infections.

— Markian Hawryluk, The Bulletin