soft palate

US /ˌsɑft ˈpælət/
UK /ˌsɑft ˈpælət/
"soft palate" picture
1.

the fleshy, flexible part toward the back of the roof of the mouth

:
The uvula hangs from the back of the soft palate.
When you swallow, the soft palate moves up to close off the nasal cavity.