The visible bump on the front of the throat, commonly known as the “Adam’s apple,” is an anatomical feature often associated exclusively with men. This physical trait is present in all humans, though its appearance varies significantly between individuals. The core difference lies not in whether the structure exists, but in its size and how prominently it protrudes from the neck, primarily due to hormonal changes during development.
The Core Answer: Anatomy and Visibility
The anatomical structure commonly called the Adam’s apple is technically known as the laryngeal prominence. This prominence is the most exteriorly visible portion of the thyroid cartilage, the largest of the nine cartilages making up the larynx, or voice box. The cartilage serves a protective function, shielding the delicate vocal cords that lie immediately behind it.
Every human being, regardless of sex or age, has this protective thyroid cartilage surrounding their larynx. Therefore, everyone possesses the anatomical structure that forms the Adam’s apple. The perception that only men have it stems from the fact that the laryngeal prominence is typically larger and more noticeable in adult males.
The difference in visibility is due to the angle at which the two plates of the thyroid cartilage meet. In children and most adult women, this angle is wider, causing the prominence to sit flatter against the voice box and appear less noticeable.
The Role of Puberty and Hormones
The divergence in the size and angulation of the laryngeal prominence begins during adolescence. The primary driver of this change is the hormone testosterone, which is present in higher concentrations in males during puberty. Rising testosterone levels trigger significant growth and remodeling of the laryngeal structure.
This hormonal surge causes the thyroid cartilage to grow anteriorly, pushing forward and enlarging. Simultaneously, the angle at which the two cartilage plates meet narrows considerably. In adult males, this angle typically decreases to approximately 90 degrees, resulting in the sharp, distinct protrusion of the Adam’s apple. Conversely, in females, the angle remains much wider, often around 120 degrees, which is why the structure does not protrude as much.
This growth of the cartilage serves a specific function related to voice production. As the thyroid cartilage expands, it lengthens and thickens the vocal cords attached inside the larynx. Longer, thicker vocal cords vibrate at a lower frequency, which causes the significant deepening of the voice observed in most males during puberty. The increased prominence is the external manifestation of this internal laryngeal growth.
Variations and Non-Binary Presence
While a prominent Adam’s apple is considered a secondary male characteristic, its size is highly variable across the population. Some men naturally have smaller or less visible laryngeal prominences due to genetic factors or variations in anatomical development. Conversely, some women may have a more noticeable prominence due to natural hormonal fluctuations, genetic makeup, or a leaner neck structure.
The appearance of this feature can also be altered through medical intervention. For individuals seeking to align their physical appearance with their gender identity, a prominent laryngeal prominence can cause distress. A procedure known as chondrolaryngoplasty, or a tracheal shave, is a gender-affirming surgery designed to reduce the size of the thyroid cartilage.
During a tracheal shave, a surgeon carefully removes a portion of the thyroid cartilage to soften the contour of the neck. This procedure is commonly sought by transgender women and non-binary individuals who desire a more feminine neck profile.