What is that fleshy thing that hangs down from the roof of the mouth, near the throat?

Question

What does it do, why is it there and why does it change size?

Answer 1

It's called the Uvula, it's musclar and used for pronunciation when speaking. It also contains minor glands for secretions in your mouth.

Answer 2

Its called the Uvula. We don't know why its there. I think it just acts like a sensor to aid in swallowing, but that's my opinion only. It could also have something to do with sound production...again my opinion. It may change in size if you get swelling in the tonsil area. Its all loose tissue, so if the throat is irritated it makes the tissues swell from inflammation.

Answer 3

Its called your uvula

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...

Answer 4

Tonsil

Answer 5

It is called the uvula.

"The fact is that there isn't any general consensus on the purpose of the uvula, that little flap of skin visible at the back of your mouth. Many physicians believe the uvula is a vestigial anatomic structure without a significant function, while others believe that it has a role in speech and swallowing in that it helps in sealing off of the nasopharynx during those activities."

Answer 6

It is a uvula. I think this will explain all of your questions:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uvula

Answer 7

the uvula.