An electromyographic study of the musculus uvulae.

The musculus uvulae and the levator veli palatini muscle were studied with electromyography (EMG) in three normal young adult subjects. Patterns of EMG activity for the musculus uvulae were similar to those of the levator veli palatini for all three subjects. When differences in EMG activity between the two muscles were found, the tasks did not involve speech. The presence of the musculus uvulae along the nasal aspect of the velum may be important in filling the space between the elevated velum and the posterior pharyngeal wall. In addition, the musculus uvulae may function to modify stiffness of the tissue adjacent to the insertion of the levator veli palatini and to produce extension of the velum.