Adam’s Apple: What It Does and Possible Problems and Treatments
The Adam’s apple is the bump you see on the front of the neck near the throat, known medically as a “laryngeal prominence.”
The colloquial term “Adam’s apple” likely comes from the biblical story of Adam and Eve, in which Adam ate the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge and a chunk got stuck in his throat.
While everyone has an Adam’s apple, it’s generally more visible in males than females. Even if yours isn’t prominent, it’s important to watch for and treat any health issues that may affect it or the body parts near it.
The Adam’s apple is a protrusion on the neck. It’s made of cartilage, a soft, flexible connective tissue present throughout the body that provides support and protection.
The cartilage that makes up the Adam’s apple surrounds the thyroid gland and the larynx (voice box) and the vocal cords inside it, explains Daniel Kim, DO, a family physician with Medical Offices of Manhattan.
An Adam’s apple is part of the thyroid cartilage, Dr. Kim says. The Adam’s apple is visible because the thyroid cartilage, which is shaped like a shield or open book, predominates anteriorly — meaning it projects outward rather than lying flush against the body.
The role of the Adam’s apple is to protect the voice box and the vocal cords inside. No other known function has been found, though some researchers believe there may be a correlation between the size of the Adam’s apple and how deep the voice is.
Males are likely to have larger, thicker Adam’s apples than females. “During puberty, the thyroid cartilage grows and becomes more prominent in males,” Kim explains.
The larynx also grows during puberty, he adds, and the Adam’s apple may grow in tandem to protect the larynx.
A larger Adam’s apple is considered a secondary sex characteristic in males.
Several health issues can impact thyroid tissue, including the Adam’s apple.
“Thyroid disorders, such as goiter, thyroiditis, thyroid nodules, or thyroid cancers, can affect the Adam’s apple,” Kim says. Thyroid cancer can cause swelling of the neck, voice changes, and difficulty swallowing.
Issues affecting the larynx, such as laryngitis or laryngeal cancer, may also involve the Adam’s apple. Some of these issues can cause swelling of the larynx, which can make the Adam’s apple appear enlarged.
Pain or discomfort in the Adam’s apple area could have a number of possible causes, ranging from a simple cold and sore throat to issues related to the thyroid or esophagus.
In some cases, symptoms affecting the area near the Adam’s apple have to do with surrounding organs and tissues, such as the thyroid, larynx, and esophagus, Kim says. It’s important to see a healthcare provider to get to the underlying cause and determine a treatment plan, he adds.
Some people who are concerned about the size or shape of their Adam’s apple — including transgender individuals wanting a more feminized or masculinized appearance — may opt for elective surgical interventions.
Chondrolaryngoplasty This plastic surgery, also known as a tracheal shave, can make the Adam’s apple smaller.
Adam’s Apple Augmentation Using rib cartilage, this procedure makes the Adam’s apple more prominent.
Your Adam’s apple doesn’t significantly impact your health. But it’s still wise to take precautions and practice a healthy lifestyle to keep the body parts associated with the Adam’s apple (such as the thyroid, larynx, vocal cords, and esophagus) in good shape.
To maintain a healthy throat and voice, Kim recommends the following:
