PENDULOUS PALATE Meaning and
Definition
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Pendulous palate, also known as elongated or hypermobile palate, is a medical term used to describe a condition in which the roof of the mouth (palate) is abnormally long and relaxed, causing it to hang down lower than normal. The name "pendulous" refers to the pendulum-like movement of the elongated tissue. This condition is primarily characterized by a soft, flexible, and excessively long uvula, which is the small, teardrop-shaped tissue that hangs down at the back of the throat.
A pendulous palate often presents as a congenital abnormality, meaning it is present at birth, and may result from genetic factors or developmental issues during fetal growth. However, it can also occur later in life due to natural aging, chronic irritation, or certain medical conditions.
Individuals with a pendulous palate may experience symptoms such as snoring, sleep apnea, disturbed sleep patterns, or difficulty swallowing. In some cases, it may also lead to speech difficulties, usually involving an altered resonance or nasal quality to the voice. Additionally, pendulous palate can increase the risk of regurgitation or aspiration of food and liquids into the nasal passages, potentially leading to respiratory issues or infections.
Treatment options for pendulous palate vary depending on the severity of symptoms and underlying causes. Conservative measures like lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding trigger foods or sleeping in an elevated position, may be recommended initially. In more severe cases, surgical intervention, such as palatoplasty, may be considered to shorten and reposition the elongated palate, improving symptoms and quality of life.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PENDULOUS PALATE
- oendulous palate
- lendulous palate
- -endulous palate
- 0endulous palate
- pwndulous palate
- psndulous palate
- pdndulous palate
- prndulous palate
- p4ndulous palate
- p3ndulous palate
- pebdulous palate
- pemdulous palate
- pejdulous palate
- pehdulous palate
- pensulous palate
- penxulous palate
- penculous palate
- penfulous palate
- penrulous palate
- peneulous palate
Etymology of PENDULOUS PALATE
The word "pendulous" comes from the Latin word "pendulus", meaning "hanging down" or "swinging", which is derived from the verb "pendere", meaning "to hang". "Palate" comes from the Latin word "palatum", which refers to the roof of the mouth. Therefore, "pendulous palate" essentially means a hanging or drooping roof of the mouth.
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