The hard and soft palates make up the roof of the mouth. The soft palate is the flexible, muscular area at the back, behind the bony hard palate. It helps you swallow, speak and breathe.
Anatomy of the soft palate
The soft palate contains muscle and soft tissue rather than bone. This makes it mobile and flexible. It is also called the velum or muscular palate.
At its back edge is the uvula: the small, fleshy projection you can see hanging down when you open your mouth.
- Roof of the mouth: the soft palate forms the back part of the palate.
- Muscle, not bone: it can move as you swallow and speak.
- The uvula: this projection works with the soft palate during swallowing.
What does the soft palate do?
When you swallow, the soft palate lifts towards the back wall of the throat. This helps close the passage to the nose, preventing food and liquid from travelling upwards into the nasal cavity.
Its movement also helps control airflow during speech and contributes to the way you produce different sounds.
Hard palate and soft palate: what’s the difference?
The hard palate is the firm, bony front part of the roof of the mouth. The soft palate is the flexible back part and contains no bone. Together, they form the palate and separate the mouth from the nasal cavity.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about the soft palate, its role and your oral health.
What is the soft palate?
The soft palate is the flexible, muscular back part of the roof of your mouth. It sits behind the hard palate and ends in the uvula. It is also known as the velum.
What does the soft palate do?
The soft palate moves during swallowing to help close the passage to the nose. It also helps control airflow for speech.
What is the uvula for?
The uvula is the small fleshy projection that hangs from the soft palate. Together with the soft palate, it helps prevent food and drink from entering the nose during swallowing. It also contributes to certain speech sounds and the gag reflex.
Difference between the hard and soft palate?
The hard palate is the bony front portion of the roof of the mouth. The soft palate is the flexible, muscular back portion and contains no bone.
Can soft palate problems affect snoring?
Yes. Vibration of the soft palate and other relaxed tissues can contribute to snoring. The right treatment depends on the cause. Explore our anti-snoring devices and discuss suitability with your dentist. If snoring includes pauses in breathing, choking or gasping during sleep, speak to your GP about possible sleep apnoea.
Further reading: Palate anatomy (NCBI Bookshelf), The uvula (Cleveland Clinic) and Snoring (NHS).
Questions about your oral health?
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