Adam's Apple: What It Does and Possible Problems and Treatments
Health ConditionsEar, Nose, & Throat

Adam’s Apple: What It Does and Possible Problems and Treatments

Adam’s Apple: What It Does and Possible Problems and Treatments
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Published on April 9, 2025
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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.

What Is the Adam’s Apple?

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.

What Does the Adam’s Apple Do?

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.

Is the Adam’s Apple Different in Men and Women?

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.

Adam’s Apple Complications and Disorders

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.

Treatments and Interventions for the Adam’s Apple

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.

How to Keep Your Adam’s Apple Healthy

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:

  • Stay hydrated
  • Avoid straining your voice
  • Rest your voice when you’re sick
  • Avoid smoking
  • See your doctor regularly for thyroid and throat checkups
You’ll also want to eat right. A diet that supports vocal health is one that limits spicy foods and is rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

The Takeaway

  • “Adam’s apple” is a colloquial term referring to the bump near the front of the throat; the medical term is “laryngeal prominence.”
  • An Adam’s apple is part of the thyroid cartilage, which protects the larynx (voice box) and vocal cords from injury.
  • Men are more likely than women to have prominent Adam’s apples due to increased growth of that cartilage during puberty.
  • Although the Adam’s apple doesn’t significantly affect health, it’s a good idea to see a doctor if you experience new or persistent pain in the area.

Common Questions & Answers

At what age do boys get their Adam’s apple?
Male puberty, driven by the hormone testosterone, makes the Adam’s apple grow and become more visible. Boys typically begin puberty between ages 9 and 14.
Both males and females have an Adam’s apple — everyone has thyroid cartilage. It’s usually larger and more prominent in males, but females can have a visible Adam’s apple, too.
Though some researchers suspect a link between Adam’s apple size and a deeper voice, there is no evidence to support this connection.

Resources We Trust

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Fitzpatrick T et al. Anatomy, Head and Neck: Adam’s Apple. StatPearls. April 2023.
  2. Chang L et al. Anatomy, Cartilage. StatPearls. October 2022.
  3. Allen E et al. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Larynx Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve. StatPearls. July 2023.
  4. Adam’s Apple. Cleveland Clinic. January 2023.
  5. Thyroid cancer. Mayo Clinic. January 2024.
  6. Tang CG et al. Chondrolaryngoplasty. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America. June 2022.
  7. Deschamps-Braly JC et al. First Female-to-Male Facial Confirmation Surgery with Description of a New Procedure for Masculinization of the Thyroid Cartilage (Adam's Apple). Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. April 2017.
  8. Taking Care of Your Voice. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. January 2025.
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