The Adam’s apple is a noticeable feature in the human neck. While commonly observed externally, its true nature and complex functions are found within its internal structure. Exploring what the Adam’s apple looks like internally reveals a sophisticated arrangement of tissues and cartilages that play a role in fundamental bodily processes.
Understanding the Adam’s Apple
Medically known as the laryngeal prominence, the Adam’s apple is a visible protrusion at the front of the throat. Primarily composed of cartilage, it is the most visible part of the larynx, commonly referred to as the voice box. The larynx is a cartilaginous organ situated above the trachea (windpipe) and below the hyoid bone in the anterior neck.
The Internal Architecture
The laryngeal prominence is formed by the thyroid cartilage, which is the largest of the nine cartilages comprising the larynx. This shield-shaped cartilage forms the front and side walls of the voice box. The two broad plates, or laminae, of the thyroid cartilage join anteriorly to create the “V”-shaped angle that forms the external Adam’s apple. Just below is the cricoid cartilage, a ring-shaped structure that completely encircles the airway, providing a stable base for the larynx.
Within this cartilaginous framework are smaller, paired cartilages. The arytenoid cartilages are pyramid-shaped structures resting on the cricoid cartilage at the back of the larynx. These cartilages are crucial for vocal cord movement. A leaf-shaped flap of elastic cartilage, the epiglottis, is attached to the inner surface of the thyroid cartilage. It projects upwards, covering the larynx opening during swallowing to prevent food from entering the windpipe.
The vocal cords, also known as vocal folds, are located directly behind the thyroid cartilage, stretching horizontally across the larynx. These twin infoldings of mucous membrane, appearing pearly white, are attached at the back to the arytenoid cartilages and at the front to the thyroid cartilage. When viewed from above, the vocal folds appear as a “V”-shaped structure, with the opening between them leading to the trachea.
How Its Structure Influences Voice
The internal components of the Adam’s apple are involved in producing sound. The vocal cords, housed within the protective thyroid cartilage, vibrate rapidly as air from the lungs passes between them. This vibration generates sound waves, and their length and tension directly influence voice pitch.
Muscles attached to the arytenoid cartilages control vocal cord movement. Longer and thicker vocal cords vibrate slower, producing a lower-pitched sound. Conversely, shorter and thinner cords vibrate faster, resulting in a higher pitch. The larynx also protects the airway by closing during swallowing, preventing food or liquid from entering the lungs.
Why It Appears Different
The varying prominence of the Adam’s apple, particularly its greater visibility in adult males, is due to hormonal influences. During puberty, increased testosterone causes the thyroid cartilage to grow larger. Its two plates meet at a sharper angle, pushing the laryngeal prominence outward and making it more apparent.
All individuals possess a thyroid cartilage and larynx, but the extent of this growth differs. In females, the larynx and thyroid cartilage typically do not enlarge to the same degree during puberty, resulting in a less visible Adam’s apple. The internal structure remains similar, but the external appearance is a result of the cartilage’s size and the angle at which its plates join.