The Adam's apple is more prominent in boys and men primarily because it is a cartilage structure that protects the vocal cords, and this structure grows larger during puberty, particularly in males.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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What is the Adam's Apple? The Adam's apple is formed by the thyroid cartilage, which surrounds the larynx (voice box). Everyone has thyroid cartilage, but it tends to be larger in males.
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Growth During Puberty: During puberty, hormonal changes, specifically an increase in testosterone, cause the larynx to grow. This growth is more pronounced in boys than in girls. As the larynx grows, the thyroid cartilage becomes larger and protrudes more noticeably at the front of the neck, creating the Adam's apple.
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Protection of Vocal Cords: The thyroid cartilage serves as a protective shield for the vocal cords. The larger size of the cartilage in men offers greater protection.
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Voice Deepening: The enlargement of the larynx and the lengthening of the vocal cords during puberty contribute to the deepening of the voice that is characteristic of male adolescents.
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Why not as prominent in females? While females also experience laryngeal growth during puberty, the extent is generally less significant due to lower testosterone levels. Therefore, the thyroid cartilage remains smaller and less visible.
In summary, the Adam's apple is a visible sign of laryngeal development, particularly in males during puberty, primarily serving to protect the vocal cords and contributing to voice deepening.
