Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health Your Adam's Apple — What It Is, What It Does, and Who Has One
Oct 22, 2025
Dive into the intriguing world of the Adam's apple and discover its unique structure made of flexible cartilage. Learn how it protects your vocal cords and aids in swallowing while revealing the impact of puberty and testosterone on voice deepening. Uncover common causes of neck discomfort and effective remedies for muscle tension and throat pain. Explore the differences between the Adam's apple and the thyroid gland, along with essential tips on when to seek medical attention. It's a fascinating look at a vital part of our anatomy!
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Adam's Apple Is Structural And Protective
- The Adam's apple is the visible ridge of thyroid cartilage at the front of the larynx that rises when you swallow.
- It protects the vocal cords and helps lift the larynx to keep food out of the airway.
Cartilage Shape Determines Prominence
- The Adam's apple is made of hyaline cartilage, not bone or muscle, formed by two plates meeting at a V-shaped angle.
- A sharper angle makes the bump more noticeable and the cartilage anchors muscles that tune pitch and tone.
Puberty Shapes Voice And Ridge Size
- Both sexes have an Adam's apple, but testosterone often enlarges the larynx in males during puberty, lowering voice pitch.
- Females have subtler external ridges because their laryngeal growth is usually smaller.