SOFT PALATE. UVULA. 461 



arch, are two pillars, or rather prominent ridges, which project 

 into the mouth. These ridges are at some distance from each 

 other below, and approach much nearer above, so that they 

 include a triangular space. They are called the lateral half 

 arches of the palate, (see fig. 118, p. 455.) Each of them is 

 formed by a plate or fold of the lining membrane of the mouth, 

 and contains one of the two last mentioned muscles ; the anterior, 

 the constrictor isthmii faucium ; the posterior, the palalo- 

 pharyngeus. These muscles, of course, draw the palate down 

 toward the tongue when they contract. 



From the centre of the arch, near its posterior edge, is sus- 

 pended the uvula, a conical body, which varies in length from 

 less than half an inch, to rather more than one inch. It is 

 connected by its basis to the palate; but its apex is loose and 

 pendulous. This body is covered by the lining membrane of 

 the mouth. It contains many small glands, and a muscle also, 

 the azygos uvulas, which arises from the posterior edge of the 

 ossa palati, at the suture which connects them to each other, 

 and, passing posteriorly upon the soft palate, extends from the 

 basis to the apex of the uvula, into which it is inserted. By 

 the action of this muscle, the length of the uvula can be very 

 much diminished : and when its contraction ceases, that body is 

 elongated.* 



The pendulous part of the uvula can also be moved, in certain 

 cases, to either side. 



It is commonly supposed, that the principal use of this little 

 organ is to modulate the voice ; but there are good reasons for 

 believing, that it has another object. It was remarked by 

 Fallopius, (and the observation has been confirmed by many 

 surgeons since his time,) that the uvula may be removed com- 

 pletely without occasioning any alteration of the voice, or any 

 difficulty of deglutition, if the soft palate be left entire. 



The soft palate is so flexible, that it yields to the actions of 

 the levatores palati, which draw it up so as to close the posterior 

 nares completely. 



* A careful dissection, shows two of these mascles. — p. 

 39* 



