Have you ever wondered why some people have a noticeable bump in their throat? That prominent feature is called the laryngeal prominence or, colloquially, the "Adam's apple." While this distinctive landmark is often associated with male anatomy, it also exists in females.
For those curious about learning more, this article discusses the anatomy, function, and medical procedures that some individuals consider to alter the appearance of the Adam's apple.
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What Is the Adam's Apple?
The Adam's apple is a prominent feature in the front of the neck, officially known as the laryngeal prominence. It is made of thyroid cartilage, which forms the outer structure of the larynx (voice box). Cartilage is a type of strong, flexible connective tissue. This cartilage surrounds and protects the vocal cords, which are two bands of muscle inside the larynx that allow you to produce sound.
Who Has an Adam's Apple?
Both men and women have an Adam's apple; however, its size and visibility often differ between the sexes. This is a natural part of individual anatomical diversity. During puberty, the thyroid cartilage enlarges and angles more sharply in males, making the Adam's apple more prominent. In women, the angle of the thyroid cartilage is less sharp, resulting in a less visible or smaller Adam's apple.
A small study conducted in 2021, including 79 adults ages 18 to 60 years, concluded that the median size of the Adam's apple was 0.16 millimeters in men and 0 millimeters in females.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Adam's Apple
The Adam's apple is the most visible portion of the larynx and functions to protect it.
Anatomical Structure
The larynx is a hollow tube located in the neck that is part of the respiratory system. It allows air to pass from the throat into the lungs so that you can breathe and make sounds (which is why it is often called the voice box). It is made up of nine cartilages, including:
- Thyroid cartilage (1 piece)
- Cricoid cartilage (1 piece)
- Arytenoid cartilages (2 pieces)
- Corniculate cartilages (2 pieces)
- Cuneiform cartilages (2 pieces)
- Epiglottis (1 piece)
The thyroid cartilage is the largest of these cartilages and forms the prominent bump on the front of the throat. The Adam's apple itself is a result of the angle formed by the junction of the two plates of thyroid cartilage at the front of the larynx that fuse during fetal development.
The Adam's apple is considered a secondary sexual characteristic. During puberty, the increase in testosterone levels in males causes the thyroid cartilage to enlarge and the angle between the two plates to become more acute. This growth leads to the visible prominence of the Adam's apple. For girls, the thyroid cartilage develops to a lesser extent, leading to a less pronounced laryngeal prominence.
Function in the Body
The Adam's apple forms a protective shield for the airway, helping to protect the larynx and the vocal cords beneath it.
Researchers also speculate that the growth of the Adam's apple during puberty helps deepen and mature the voice. A larger Adam's apple could be associated with longer, thicker vocal cords that produce lower-pitched voices. However, there is insufficient evidence to support this theory.
Myths and Cultural Significance
In some religious traditions, the name "Adam's apple" is tied to the biblical story of Adam and Eve, in which the apple that Adam ate from the Tree of Knowledge became lodged in his throat, giving rise to the name.
However, there is no direct anatomical link to this story; the association is symbolic and has persisted over time. Perhaps more accurately, the term "Adam's apple" comes from the Latin phrase pomum Adami (meaning 'Adam's fruit'), which appears in European texts dating back to the 1600s.
Common Misconceptions
A common myth about the Adam's apple is that only men have it. While it is more prominent in males due to hormonal changes during puberty, both men and women have a laryngeal prominence. The difference lies in the size and visibility, not in the presence of the feature itself.
Medical Concerns Related to the Adam's Apple
Having a large Adam's apple on its own doesn't mean you have a medical condition. However, some conditions can cause pain and swelling of the larynx and surrounding tissues, causing the Adam's apple to become painful or appear swollen.
Signs and symptoms that could indicate an underlying medical condition include:
- Sore throat
- Difficulty or pain with swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Excessive sweating
Talk to a doctor if you notice any of these symptoms. They could indicate any of the following health conditions:
- Laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx)
- Pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)
- Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland)
- Thyroid cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
Medical Procedures and Treatments
Some individuals may choose to undergo procedures such as chondrolaryngoplasty, also known as a tracheal or laryngeal shave. This reconstructive surgical procedure reduces the size of the thyroid cartilage for those who feel uncomfortable with the size of their Adam's apple.
For people who want to enhance the appearance of their Adam's apple, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or surgical procedures are available. Surgical techniques involve inserting a Y-shaped implant or placing cartilage harvested from the rib cage at the thyroid cartilage.
These medical procedures and treatments should always be pursued under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.
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Key Takeaways
- The Adam's apple is more than just a visible bump in the throat. It is a piece of cartilage that protects the airway and may play a role in voice modulation.
- Despite the common misconception that only men have Adam's apples, both genders have them. Its size can vary based on age, sex, and body composition.
- While a prominent Adam's apple is typically a normal anatomical feature, some individuals may choose to modify its appearance for personal or cosmetic reasons. Consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended before pursuing any medical interventions.
- If you have any concerns about your throat, voice, or neck, consulting with a healthcare professional is always a good idea to ensure everything is healthy and functioning properly.
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