The question of whether girls can have an “Adam’s Apple” often stems from the common belief that this feature belongs exclusively to the male anatomy. The structure commonly known as the Adam’s Apple is formally called the laryngeal prominence, and it is a feature of the thyroid cartilage, which protects the voice box. This cartilage structure is present in every human being, regardless of sex, because everyone possesses a larynx. The difference between men and women lies not in the presence of the structure, but in its size and visibility.
The Biological Structure
The laryngeal prominence is the most outwardly visible part of the thyroid cartilage. This shield-shaped cartilage is the largest of the nine cartilages forming the skeleton of the larynx, or voice box. The structure forms where the two plates of the thyroid cartilage meet in the midline of the throat. Its primary function is serving as a protective shield for the vocal cords lying directly behind it.
The thyroid cartilage is also an attachment point for muscles and ligaments important for swallowing and voice production. The laryngeal prominence is an important anatomical landmark in the neck for all humans. Its visibility is simply a consequence of the angle at which the two cartilage plates fuse.
The Role of Hormones in Development
The difference in visibility between the sexes results primarily from hormonal changes during puberty. In males, the surge of testosterone influences the growth of the larynx. This hormone causes the voice box to grow larger and leads to a more acute angle where the thyroid cartilage plates meet, approximately 90 degrees. This sharp angle pushes the laryngeal prominence outward, resulting in the prominent structure associated with the male throat.
The increase in larynx size also lengthens the vocal cords, causing the voice to deepen by about an octave. Females also experience laryngeal growth during puberty, but the changes are less pronounced due to lower testosterone levels. In females, the angle of the thyroid cartilage fusion remains wider, closer to 120 degrees, preventing the structure from protruding significantly. This smaller growth means the laryngeal prominence is less noticeable and does not result in the same degree of voice deepening.
Factors Causing Visibility in Females
Although the female laryngeal prominence is generally smaller, a woman can still have a noticeable Adam’s Apple due to several factors. One common cause is natural anatomical variation and body composition. A person with a slender neck or low body fat percentage has less soft tissue surrounding the cartilage, making even a small laryngeal prominence more visible. Genetic factors also play a role, as some women inherit a slightly larger or more prominently angled thyroid cartilage.
A prominent laryngeal prominence can also be a sign of underlying hormonal influences, specifically an elevation in androgens. Medical conditions characterized by hyperandrogenism, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), can lead to virilization symptoms, including the development of a noticeable Adam’s Apple. Increased androgen levels can affect the laryngeal structures, potentially causing the vocal folds to thicken, which may be accompanied by a deepening of the voice. This highlights the direct relationship between hormonal balance and the development of the throat structure.