<P> A bifid or bifurcated uvula is a split or cleft uvula . Newborns with cleft palate often also have a split uvula . The bifid uvula results from incomplete fusion of the palatine shelves but it is considered only a slight form of clefting . Bifid uvulas have less muscle in them than a normal uvula, which may cause recurring problems with middle ear infections . While swallowing, the soft palate is pushed backwards, preventing food and drink from entering the nasal cavity . If the soft palate cannot touch the back of the throat while swallowing, food and drink can enter the nasal cavity . Splitting of the uvula occurs infrequently but is the most common form of mouth and nose area cleavage among newborns . Bifid uvula occurs in about 2% of the general population, although some populations may have a high incidence, such as Native Americans who have a 10% rate . </P> <P> Bifid uvula is a common symptom of the rare genetic syndrome Loeys - Dietz syndrome, which is associated with an increased risk of aortic aneurysm . </P> <P> During swallowing, the soft palate and the uvula move together to close off the nasopharynx, and prevent food from entering the nasal cavity . </P> <P> It has also been proposed that the large amounts of thin saliva produced by the uvula serves to keep the throat well lubricated . </P>

Why do we have a uvula in the back of your throat