Why do we need an Adam's apple and do women have it

Why do you need an Adam's apple

Adam's apple is a lump on the neck of many people. He represents cartilage on the larynx, which is needed to protect the vocal cords from injury. It has no other known functions. Some researchers believe that the larger Adam's apple plays a role in the deepening and maturation of the voice. But concrete evidence of this has not yet been found.

Do women have an Adam's apple

There is, it just may not be as noticeable as in men. As a rule, during childhood, the cartilages of the larynx are the same size in both sexes, but after puberty become larger in men due to increased testosterone levels in the body.

But in women, the Adam's apple can also be noticeable, for example, due to the thin skin and muscles on the neck. It doesn't mean anything and indicates to the other sex or increased testosterone levels.

Why the Adam's apple can increase

The size of the Adam's apple does not affect anything, but sometimes it can swell and hurt. It could be

connected with laryngitis, diseases thyroid gland or tumors of the thyroid gland and larynx.

Consult a doctor if the Adam's apple has increased and the following signs appear:

• a sore throat;
• labored breathing;
• dyspnea;
• cough;
• wheezing;
• unexplained fatigue;
• excessive sweating.