Laryngeal prominence

The laryngeal prominence—commonly known as the Adam's Apple—is a feature of the human neck. This lump, or protrusion, is formed by the angle of the thyroid cartilage surrounding the larynx. The term "Adam's Apple" is derived from the forbidden fruit in the Biblical account of the lives of Adam and Eve (although the name of the fruit is not mentioned in the Genesis) and refers to the prominence of the lump in males (hence, Adam) more than females.^[1]

Sex differences

The laryngeal prominence is usually more prominent in adult men than in women, or prepubescent children. The growth of the larynx itself, and dropping of the vocal box during puberty is responsible for the vocal instability in teenage boys. The laryngeal prominence is merely the protrusion one sees of the thyroid cartilage making up the body of the larynx. The laryngeal prominence is usually more prominent in adult males because the thyroid cartilage elongates during puberty as the voice box becomes lodged in the throat, protruding out the front of the neck more noticeably. The result is that the two laminae (thin cartilage) of the thyroid cartilage that form the protrusion meet at an average angle of 90° in males, and 120° in females, so there is less cartilage protruding out in females.

Laryngeal prominence is commonly considered a male secondary sex characteristic, but women can also develop a masculine laryngeal prominence.

Surgery

Cosmetic surgery to reduce the size of a laryngeal prominence is called chondrolaryngoplasty (thyroid chondroplasty).^[2] This surgery may change the patient's voice and can possibly cause permanent damage, and may leave a visible scar. Chondrolaryngoplasty may be performed in many types of gender reassignment surgery.

References

External links

• laryngeal+prominence at eMedicine Dictionary
• lesson11 at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University)