A deformity described as a split or opening in the uvula, which can affect speech and swallowing, is best called what?

• A. Cleft palate
• B. Bifid uvula
• C. Uvular erosion
• D. Uvula tortuosity

Answer: (B)

Split uvula is termed bifid uvula. The uvula normally is a single midline projection from the soft palate; when it is forked or divided, that term applies. This finding can signal subtle submucous cleft palate and velopharyngeal insufficiency, which disrupts the seal between the nasopharynx and oropharynx during swallowing and speech. That disruption explains why speech may become hypernasal and swallowing can be affected. Other options don’t describe a split uvula: a cleft palate involves fissures in the hard or soft palate itself, not just the uvula; uvular erosion implies tissue breakdown; uvula tortuosity means twisting rather than splitting.