The Adam’s apple is a noticeable feature often linked with men, frequently observed as a distinct protrusion in the neck. This characteristic raises questions about its development and function. Understanding this anatomical feature reveals insights into changes during specific life stages and why it appears differently among people.
What It Is and What It Does
The Adam’s apple is anatomically known as the laryngeal prominence. It is a visible protrusion of the thyroid cartilage, the largest piece of cartilage forming the larynx, or voice box. This structure is situated in the front of the throat, just above the windpipe. The thyroid cartilage itself consists of two laminae that join at an angle, creating the prominence.
The primary function of the thyroid cartilage and the larynx it encases is to protect the vocal cords. These structures are essential for producing sound and speech through vibration. Beyond voice production, the larynx also plays a significant role in maintaining an open airway for respiration. This protective casing ensures the vocal apparatus remains safe during swallowing and speaking, by preventing food or liquid from entering the trachea.
Development During Puberty
The noticeable enlargement of the Adam’s apple primarily occurs during male puberty. This developmental stage is marked by a significant increase in testosterone, a hormone that drives many secondary sexual characteristics in males. Elevated testosterone levels directly influence the growth and development of the larynx, including its cartilaginous components.
During puberty, the thyroid cartilage, along with other cartilages and muscles of the larynx, undergoes substantial growth. This growth causes the voice box to become larger. As the larynx enlarges, the vocal cords inside it lengthen and thicken, becoming capable of producing lower-frequency sounds. This transformation in vocal cord structure leads to a significant deepening of the voice, a characteristic of male maturation. The increased size and more acute angle of the thyroid cartilage then create the more prominent laryngeal prominence observed in adult males.
Variations in Prominence
While all humans possess thyroid cartilage, its outward protrusion, or the “Adam’s apple,” varies considerably among individuals. Not every man will have an obviously visible Adam’s apple, even though the underlying structure is present. This variation is influenced by several factors.
Genetic predisposition plays a role in determining the precise size and shape of the thyroid cartilage. An individual’s body composition, particularly the amount of subcutaneous fat around the neck, can also obscure or enhance the prominence of the laryngeal structure. The specific angle at which the two laminae of the thyroid cartilage join significantly influences how much it protrudes; a more acute angle results in a more noticeable appearance.
In females, the thyroid cartilage is also present, but due to significantly lower levels of testosterone during puberty, their larynx typically does not undergo the same degree of growth as in males. The thyroid cartilage in women remains smaller and often has a wider, more obtuse angle where its two plates meet, typically around 120 degrees compared to approximately 90 degrees in men. This anatomical difference means that while women have the same basic laryngeal structure, it rarely protrudes enough to form a visible Adam’s apple.