The Adam’s apple, medically known as the laryngeal prominence, is the visible bump at the front of the throat formed by the thyroid cartilage. This cartilage surrounds and protects the larynx, or voice box. While it’s commonly associated with men, everyone has an Adam’s apple—it’s just more noticeable in some people than others.
The name itself comes from folklore. According to a traditional story, a piece of the forbidden fruit from the biblical tale of Adam became lodged in his throat, leaving a visible mark. While that explanation is purely myth, the anatomical structure is very real and shared by all humans.
What Does the Adam’s Apple Actually Do?
The thyroid cartilage plays an important protective role. It shields the vocal cords inside the larynx from injury caused by pressure or impact. Without this cartilage, the delicate vocal folds would be far more vulnerable.
It also influences voice pitch. In people whose thyroid cartilage grows larger and tilts forward more—typically males after puberty—the vocal cords become longer and thicker. This contributes to a deeper voice. While the Adam’s apple doesn’t produce sound itself, its size and shape affect how the voice develops.
