Principles of Anatomy and Physiology 14e with Atlas of the Skeleton Set (14th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11877-456-6
ISBN 13: 978-1-11877-456-4

Chapter 24 - The Digestive System - Figure 24.5 - Page 893: 1

Answer

The function of the uvula is to close off the nasopharynx during swallowing so that no swallowed food enters the nasal cavity.

Work Step by Step

The uvula is a soft finger-like muscular structure that hangs from the posterior border of the soft palate. During swallowing , the soft palate and the uvula are pulled up to close off the naso-pharynx; this blocks any swallowed food from getting into the nasal cavity.
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