THE SOFT PALATE

Definition :
The soft palate is composed of muscle and connective tissue, which give it both mobility
and support. This palate is very flexible. When elevated for swallowing and sucking, it
completely blocks and separates the nasal cavity and nasal portion of the pharynx from
the mouth and the oral part of the pharynx.

Function in articulation
ridge is a small protuberance just behind the upper front teeth that can easily be felt with
the tongue. The major part of the roof of the mouth is formed by the hard palate in the
front, and the soft palate or velum at the back. The soft palate is a muscular flap that can
be raised so as to shut off the nasal tract and prevent air from going out through the
nose. http://global.britannica.com/science/soft-palate

uvula :
. The uvula hangs from the middle of the soft palate and lies a short distance above the
back of the tongue.
It is composed of mucus membranes, connective tissue and muscle and it is flexible to
ensure that it can fulfil its functions.
Sometimes, the uvula may be naturally elongated, short (stump) or divided into two lobes
(bifid or cleft uvula).

Functions
The uvula has two main functions :

It blocks the passage into the nasal cavity when swallowing. This ensures that
foods or fluids do not enter the nasal passages.
It plays a role in articulation assisting with the speech
The uvula also plays a part in snoring although this is not an intended function. It vibrates
vigorously in those that snore and is partly responsible for the rough sound during
snoring. http://www.healthhype.com/anatomy-and-function-of-the-uvula.html