The larynx is important for more than just speech, however. It's critical in helping you swallow effectively, keeping food from entering your lungs. When you swallow, the muscles in the larynx help close the epiglottis, a flap of cartilage that keeps food from entering your lungs.
Both men and women have a larynx, but women are less likely to have a noticeable bump in their throat, known as an Adam's apple. In fact, having an Adam's apple is so closely associated with the male sex that it's considered a secondary sex characteristic, just like having facial hair or having a deep voice. However, some women also have a visible Adam's apple. There are reasons for the biological difference between males and females in the likelihood of having a visible Adam's apple.
The growth of the larynx is caused by testosterone , a male sex hormone. That's why men typically have a larger larynx and also a deeper voice than women. The larger the larynx, the more likely a person is to have a visible Adam's apple. The position of the larynx within the throat also causes it to protrude outward more in males, giving men a visible Adam's apple. In women, the thyroid cartilage sits at a degree angle, keeping it closer to the throat than the thyroid cartilage of men, which sits at a degree angle.
This surgery is known as a chondrolaryngoplasty, also known as a tracheal shave. The cosmetic surgery is considered safe and important for the quality of life. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.
Fitzpatrick, Thomas H. Anatomy, head and neck, Adam's apple. Identifying the underlying causes can help you determine your treatment options. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Men vs. Share on Pinterest. Read this next. What Causes a Lump in Your Throat? Medically reviewed by University of Illinois. How to Get Rid of Man Boobs. Medically reviewed by Daniel Bubnis, M. What Is Gender Dysphoria? Medically reviewed by Timothy J.
Legg, Ph. Another name for the larynx is the voice box , and it's in the throat. The larynx is what gives you your voice, whether you're talking, laughing, whispering, singing, or shouting. You can find your larynx by touching the front of your throat and humming.
When you feel vibrations under your fingers, you've found it! When the larynx grows larger during puberty, it sticks out at the front of the throat. This is what's called an Adam's apple. Adam's apples are found on both women and men they just show up more prominently in men as a chunk of bony cartilage that's wrapped around the larynx. Also known as the laryngeal prominence, the Adam's apple sits right on top of the thyroid gland, so the area is fittingly called the thyroid cartilage.
So what makes Adam's apples stick out more in men? Because grown men have larger voice boxes, theirs are a lot more prominent.
0コメント