uvula

The Uvula is reputed to have a purpose beyond the (very interesting) assistance in inclined drinking; it aids in the moistening of the throat.

The Uvula is somewhat unfortunately implicated in snoring, along with the other tissues from which it depends. These tissues can be cut away with a laser in what is known as Laser Assisted Uvula Palatoplasty, or LAUP.

References:

Webpage: American Academy of Otolaryngology, Laser Assisted Uvula Palatoplasty (LAUP). (http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/snoring/laup.cfm)

U"vu*la (?), n. [NL., dim of L. uva a grape, the uvula.] Anat.

The pendent fleshy lobe in the middle of the posterior border of the soft palate.

The term is also applied to a somewhat similar lobe on the under side of the cerebellum and to another on the inner surface of the neck of the bladder.

© Webster 1913.