What is the name of that little ball thing at the back of your throat?

I can't believe I made it to 27 years old and I don't know the name of that little thingy that hangs down in your throat or what it does. I can't wait to hear the answer.

What is the name of that little ball thing at the back of your throat?
Uvula.
Reply:its called a uvula. I think thats spelled right.
Reply:It's the uvula.


The epiglottis (mentioned by someone else) is the throat-closing flap, but the hangy-downy thing is the uvula. Along with the appendix, it's a piece of human anatomy that appears to be without function.
Reply:The anwser is Ulva that is where it can help you breathe.
Reply:well as a kid i called it a punching bag and as an adult i call it the same!! So i;m right there with ya!! I hope u can find out whats its for cause I wanna know too. What purpose does it serve. I'll be watching for ur answer and i'm 42 and still dont know what that thing is!!
Reply:uvula