Overview

Frequent knowledge and frequently linked with prominence found in the human throat is the term “Adam’s Apple”. Many people recognize its name, but few know its source and purpose.

Define Adam’s Apple

It is a little round lump occasionally visible or felt in front of the throat. You can speak, breathe, and swallow by using your thyroid cartilage, which is located in your larynx (voice box). Although the it  itself has no function, it is a clear indicator of the larynx underneath, one of the most vital elements of your respiratory and voice systems.

Who came with an Adam’s apple?

Everyone has one; both men and women have an Adam’s apple, since everyone has a larynx, where it originates from. Having said that, in men it is more noticeable due to the impact of testosterone during puberty, which makes the larynx get bigger and pushes the cartilage outward thus increasing the Adam’s apple.

Is there a reason why it is called Adam’s Apple?

The name “Adam’s Apple” comes from the Bible. Traditionally, it relates to the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis, most explicitly Adam’s eating of the forbidden fruit. Legend has it that a piece of this fruit was found in Adam’s throat. Although this story is more legend than a biological explanation, it certainly helped to give this characteristic its memorable name.

Gender distinctions

Though the it varies greatly across sexes because of hormonal variations, both men and women have thyroid cartilage. Male hormones, including testosterone, help grow the larynx during puberty, therefore helping to raise the visibility of the Adam’s Apple. Though all people have this cartilage, it is less obvious in women.

Function

What is the function of Adam’s apple?

The Adam’s apple is itself a component of thyroid cartilage shielding the vocal cords within the larynx. Although the bump itself serves no clear purpose, the shape significantly guides it:

• Creating your voice
• Airway protection
• Support with respiration and swallowing

Thus, though mainly a visual trait, it stands as a significant part of respiratory and vocal anatomy.

Anatomy

Where it is  located?

You can find it where the trachea meets the larynx in the lower part of the throat. Over the larynx, Adam’s apple rests at the base of the neck. Swallow softly and put your fingers on your throat; you will feel it move up and down it’s about in the middle of the neck, slightly above the collarbone and just under the jawline.

What’s an Adam’s apple made of?

It is made of cartilage. It is composed of thyroid cartilage, cartilage generally. These are the same kind of firm but flexible tissue that gives shape to your nasal and auricular components. Though it does become thicker and change shape, especially during adolescence, age alters it but it does not turn it into bone.

How would an it appear?

It seems visually like a little bump or projection in the middle of the throat. It may be perhaps:

• Rounded or sharp.
• Large ones are scarcely noticeable.
• These are more noticeable if one is skinny or turns their heads back.
• From individual to individual, size and form differ. It is generally more obvious and bigger in males.

Condition and Disorders

Is the Adam’s apple affected by any diseases?

Certainly, although Adam’s apple on its own usually remains benign, factors could change it by:

• Inflammation of the voice box, known as laryngitis
• Thyroid problems, including goiter or thyroid nodules.
• Voice box cancer
• Damage to the larynx or neck.
• Tumors in or around the thyroid cartilage

General indications of conditions

Any problems with the larynx or surrounding region may be seen:

• Soreness in the neck or throat.
• Voice Modifications or hoarseness.
• Difficulty swallowing ( Dysphagia)
• Dyspnea
• Swollen or bumps that are large
• Sensation of a lump in the throat
• coughing
• wheezing

Seeing a medical specialist is wise if any of these signs present themselves or last.

Care

What reason would someone’s call need operation?

• Trans-gender women or individuals desiring a more traditionally female neck shape frequently choose cosmetic purposes to make the bump smaller (a tracheal shave or chondrolaryngoplasty).
• For gender affirmation, some transgender males could have operations to increase the Adam’s apple.
• Medical problems: removal of cysts, tumors, or repair of larynx or cartilage damage.