Adam's Apple

The Adam's apple (also called the Adam's apple) is a protruding cartilaginous prominence on the front of the human neck. It is formed by two angled cartilaginous plates—the thyroid cartilage—that meet in front and form an angle. When the angle becomes acute (pronounced during swallowing), the prominence becomes clearly visible on the neck.

The thyroid cartilage is the largest part of the larynx (voice box), which is the upper part of the windpipe in the throat. The Adam's apple is therefore not a separate structure, but rather an external projection resulting from the shape of this cartilage.

Structure

The cartilage consists of two angled plates on the right and left sides that meet at the midline. Where they join, a small notch is formed at the top (thyroid notch). The Adam's apple is the upper part of this junction. The vocal cords are located inside this cartilage.

Differences between men and women

In general, the Adam's apple is more prominent in men than in women. This is related to hormonal changes during puberty: male hormones (particularly testosterone) increase the growth of the larynx, the angle of the thyroid cartilage becomes more acute, and the vocal cords lengthen and thicken. This results in a lower voice and a more pronounced prominence. In women and children, the angle is wider and the prominence is less visible.

Medical significance

The Adam's apple is an important landmark for doctors when performing neck procedures, such as creating an opening in the windpipe (tracheostomy) or examining the thyroid gland, which lies below and around the thyroid cartilage. Some people seek procedures to reduce the appearance of the Adam's apple or to make it more prominent, as part of gender-affirming procedures.