Understanding the Adam's Apple: Anatomy, Function, and Health
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
The Adam's apple, medically called the laryngeal prominence, is a bump formed by thyroid cartilage that protects the voice box [1]. Everyone has this cartilage, but it grows larger and shows more in many males after puberty [1]. Its size has no bearing on health, but new pain, swelling, or trouble swallowing or breathing around the throat deserves a medical check [1].
Quick Answer
The Adam's apple is the bump on the front of the throat formed by thyroid cartilage, which protects the voice box [1]. Everyone has this cartilage, but it usually becomes more prominent in males during puberty, and its size has no bearing on health [1]. Sudden changes, swelling or trouble swallowing or breathing should be checked by a provider [1].
What the research says
Adam's apple size is not linked to voice differences between men and women. In a study of 30 adults whose necks were measured and photographed and whose voices were rated by judges, neck girth was the only physical measurement that correlated with gender differences in voice, while the size of the thyroid prominence (Adam's apple) was not associated with them (Amir et al., Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 2019) [2].
Cosmetic reduction looks safe in small studies, with mostly short-lived side effects. A systematic review of four case series with 69 patients who had Adam's apple reduction (chondrolaryngoplasty) found a 98.4% satisfaction rate in the two studies that reported it (62 patients); the most common complications were hoarseness (36.2%), painful swallowing (20.3%), and laryngospasm (1.4%), and 96% of postoperative hoarseness resolved within 20 days, though the evidence comes from small case series (Therattil et al., JPRAS Open, 2019) [3].
What Is the Adam's Apple?
The Adam's apple is the bump or protrusion on the front of many people's throats [1]. In medical terms, it is called the laryngeal prominence [1]. It is the cartilage that covers the front of the larynx (voice box) [1]. Everyone has this cartilage, but it is not always visible [1].
The name likely comes from the Judeo-Christian tradition [1]. According to the story of Adam and Eve, an apple from the forbidden fruit got stuck in Adam's throat [1].
The term is not a separate organ. It describes a feature of the thyroid cartilage, and how visible it is varies from person to person.
What is the anatomy and structure of the Adam's apple?
The Adam's apple consists of thyroid cartilage, the largest of the nine cartilages in the larynx [1]. Inside the body, the thyroid cartilage contains two cartilage plates that join at the front of the throat, forming a V-shaped notch [1]. From the outside it looks like a small, round bump [1].
Even if you cannot see a bump over your larynx, you can sometimes feel it. Touch the front of your throat while you hum: the spot where the vibrations are strongest is your larynx [1].
Cartilage | Role in the throat |
Thyroid cartilage | Forms the Adam's apple and protects the front of the larynx [1]. |
Cricoid cartilage | A ring-shaped cartilage below the thyroid cartilage. |
Epiglottic cartilage | The flap that keeps food from entering the windpipe. |
Arytenoid cartilage | A pair of small cartilages that help move the vocal cords. |
What does the Adam's apple do, and how does it develop?
The purpose of the Adam's apple is to protect the voice box from injury [1]. Apart from that, it has no known function [1]. Many researchers believe a larger Adam's apple plays a role in voice deepening and maturation, but no concrete evidence exists yet [1].
Puberty and visibility
Everyone has the cartilage that forms the Adam's apple [1]. During puberty the larynx grows, and the growth is usually greater in males, which produces a more prominent bump [1]. Females have the same cartilage, but it usually stays smaller and less visible. The size of an Adam's apple varies from person to person, and larger ones are often, but not always, found in males [1].
What health conditions and symptoms involve the Adam's apple?
A large Adam's apple does not mean you have a medical condition [1]. But the area around it can be affected by various conditions, so pain or swelling should be taken seriously.
Causes of pain or soreness
Causes of swelling
Some conditions swell the larynx, which can make the Adam's apple look bigger than usual [1].
When should you see a doctor about your Adam's apple?
A large Adam's apple is a normal variation. If your Adam's apple becomes sore or swollen, or you notice other signs, schedule an appointment — especially if symptoms do not go away [1]. Signs to watch for include:
Can surgery change the Adam's apple?
Having or not having an Adam's apple has no bearing on your health, but some people choose cosmetic surgery to make theirs smaller or larger [1]. Surgeons do this by adding or removing cartilage in the area [1].
Conclusion: A Protective Feature, Not a Problem
The Adam's apple is a normal and protective feature of the throat. Its visibility is often linked to male puberty, but the cartilage behind it is present in everyone, and its size does not affect your health.
What matters is recognizing when pain, swelling, or other symptoms in the throat point to a deeper issue, such as inflammation or a thyroid or laryngeal condition.
Next step: If you have persistent throat pain, a new lump or swelling, or trouble swallowing or breathing, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the medical term for the Adam's apple?
The medical term is the laryngeal prominence. It is the visible part of the thyroid cartilage that covers the front of the larynx (voice box).
Why is it called an Adam's apple?
The name likely comes from the Judeo-Christian story of Adam and Eve, in which an apple from the forbidden fruit supposedly stuck in Adam's throat.
Does everyone have an Adam's apple?
Everyone has the thyroid cartilage that covers the front of the larynx, but it is not always visible as a bump. Some people have a visible Adam's apple and some do not.
Why do males usually have larger Adam's apples?
During puberty the larynx grows more in males than in females, so the thyroid cartilage usually protrudes more. This is not always the case, and size varies from person to person.
What is the Adam's apple made of?
The Adam's apple is made of thyroid cartilage, the largest of the nine cartilages in the larynx. Two cartilage plates join at the front of the throat to form a V-shaped notch.
What is the main function of the Adam's apple?
The Adam's apple's purpose is to protect the voice box from injury. Apart from that, it has no known function.
Can the Adam's apple become swollen?
Conditions that swell the larynx, such as laryngitis, goiter, sore throat, thyroid cancer, or laryngeal cancer, can make the Adam's apple look bigger than usual.
What causes pain in the Adam's apple?
Pain can result from a sore throat (pharyngitis), the common cold, acute thyroiditis, or inflammation of the esophagus, including Candida esophagitis (thrush).
Is surgery available to change the size of the Adam's apple?
Yes. Some people choose surgery to make the Adam's apple smaller or larger. Surgeons do this by removing or adding cartilage.
Does the size of the Adam's apple affect the voice?
Researchers have wondered whether a larger Adam's apple plays a role in voice deepening, but no concrete evidence exists yet.
Related Reading
The Larynx: Anatomy, Function, and Common Disorders explains the voice box that the Adam's apple helps protect.
Your Voice: Vocal Cords Anatomy, Function, and Health describes how the vocal cords produce sound and stay healthy.
Understanding the Thyroid Gland covers the hormone gland that sits just below the Adam's apple.
Hoarseness (Dysphonia): Causes, Symptoms, and Voice Recovery explains common causes of a hoarse voice and how it recovers.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Adam's Apple. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated January 29, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24656-adams-apple
Amir O, Shemer K, Roziner I, et al. Physical and visual characteristics of the neck predicting gender perception. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2019;7(12):e2573. PMID 32537312. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002573
Therattil PJ, Hazim NY, Cohen WA, et al. Esthetic reduction of the thyroid cartilage: a systematic review of chondrolaryngoplasty. JPRAS Open. 2019;22:27-32. PMID 32158894. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpra.2019.07.002
Medical disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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