Luettelet

Luettelet is a term occasionally used in medical or anatomical descriptions to denote a small uvula. The word combines luette, the French term for the uvula, with the diminutive suffix -et. The uvula (luette in French) is the small fleshy projection hanging from the back of the soft palate. A luettelet would therefore describe a uvula that is notably smaller than average, though the term is not widely standardized and may be encountered mainly in French-language texts or in informal description.

Anatomy and development

The uvula is composed of mucosa, connective tissue, and muscle fibers supplied by the palatopharyngeus group, with the levator veli palatini enabling its elevation during swallowing and speech. Developmentally, the uvula arises as part of the secondary palate. Variants in uvular size are common and may range from very small to elongated or bifid forms.

Clinical significance

In most individuals, a small uvula causes no noticeable symptoms. Variants such as a shortened or very small uvula (including a luettelet) are typically incidental findings. More pronounced deviations, such as an elongated uvula or a bifid uvula, can be associated with velopharyngeal insufficiency, snoring, or rare airway symptoms in some cases. When a uvular variant is symptomatic, evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist may be pursued.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on physical examination. No treatment is required for a benign, asymptomatic luettelet. Intervention may be considered if there are functional or sleep-related concerns, potentially involving procedures to adjust or remove problematic uvular tissue.

See also: uvula, bifid uvula, velopharyngeal insufficiency.