Adam's apple - what's this? What is it for?

Kadik, or, as it is also called, "Adam's apple", recalls the sex difference between people. According to legend, the first man on Earth tasted the forbidden paradise fruit, choked, and he was stuck in his throat.

So says the biblical parable, but what do scientific publications say?

Structure

The Adam's apple is a protrusion that forms at the expense of the angle of the thyroid cartilage surrounding the larynx. "Adam's apple" forms a tubercle under the skin of an adult male. Is there an Adam's apple in women? Sure, but it's less noticeable.

At men at the intersection of two parts of the cartilaginous tissue an acute angle (about 90 °) is formed, an open arc (about 120 °) forms on the opposite floor.

To blame for all the hormones

Adam's apple is a secondary sexual feature in representatives of the strong half of humanity. If the female body is dominated by male hormones, the protrusion on the neck can be more noticeable.

Formation

From birth, the cartilaginous tissues are soft. When the boy puberty, they become denser. At this time, testosterone (a male hormone) is actively produced, secretions and glands of organs and tissues are working more actively, an Adam's apple is being formed. Sometimes it reaches huge sizes, because of what many guys develop complexes.

When swallowing, the Adam's apple moves.

Functions

Why do Adam's Adam's apple? "Adam's apple" together with the thyroid cartilage provides protection of the larynx and the vocal cords located in it . During the meal, the cartilage reliably protects the airways from food ingestion, so that the cartilage is successfully delivered to its intended purpose. The throat is one of the most vulnerable places of a person, therefore its protection is very important.

Another of its functions is related to the timbre of the voice. As is known, in men it is lower than in women, and this is the merit of thyroid cartilage. Explain this phenomenon is simple: as a guy grows cartilaginous tissue that is in the throat, becomes denser, and the vocal cords stretch.

Possible problems

Despite the fact that in most cases the thyroid cartilage does not cause discomfort, sometimes it does manifest itself. When there are certain diseases, the Adam's apple hurts, bulges strongly, increasing in size. What ailments lead to such symptoms?

Hypothyroidism

This disease is associated with a violation of the thyroid gland. This body begins to produce so many hormones that are not enough for the normal functioning of the body. In the presence of such a disease, fatigue, constipation, and intolerance of cold in the winter period occur. Symptoms do not bypass the side and throat. Adam's apple grows in size and bulges more than usual.

Hyperthyroidism

The disease also has a connection with the thyroid gland, but in this case, on the contrary - the amount of hormones is excessive. The ailment is accompanied by diarrhea, increased irritability, excessive sweating.

Fracture of cartilaginous tissue

This problem has a lot of serious consequences and a clearly expressed sign - swelling and sore Adam's apple. Symptoms are felt strongly, which is difficult to ignore. In addition, there are many other unpleasant feelings.

Laryngitis

This disease is a common cause of problems that are associated with cartilage tissue. The disease is accompanied by inflammatory processes caused by a viral infection. Symptoms - a strong coughing barking character, as well as pain in the Adam's apple. Often there is swelling of the mucous membrane, which is the cause of shortness of breath.

Tuberculosis and laryngeal cancer

These diseases cause pain in the site of fusion of the thyroid cartilage, which is especially pronounced during swallowing and breathing. When the tumor increases in size, the symptoms become more intense. At the same time, hemoptysis, difficulty in eating, a coma feeling below the Adam's apple are possible. When the body strikes a tubercle bacillus, there is a swelling in the throat, as well as hoarseness in the voice.

Operational methods for solving problems

Some men tend to achieve a change in the timbre of the voice through surgical intervention. As a rule, endoscopic surgery is easy, but negative consequences can not be excluded by one hundred percent. During this procedure, the vocal cords are shortened or thinned, due to which the desired effect is achieved.

Often, men who are dissatisfied with their appearance due to a large Adam's apple, resort to operational methods, experiencing psychological discomfort. Surgical intervention is performed to cut the anterior part of the thyroid cartilage. Before starting such a procedure, it is necessary to perform an X-ray examination of the larynx, in particular, the vocal cords, to measure the distance to the projection. A number of additional examinations will be required. The scar left after the operation, as a rule, is not noticeable and does not differ from other areas of the skin.

Interesting Facts

There are several entertaining facts that are associated with Adam's apple:

1. The impact on the site of adhesion of the thyroid cartilage is very painful and dangerous, as there are a lot of nerve endings around it. If they are damaged, a person can even temporarily lose consciousness, the brain reaction is immediate. In addition, it is possible to injure the trachea, which leads to suffocation. Due to vulnerability, Adam's apple is a favorite place for hand-to-hand fighting.

2. Sometimes "Adam's apple" is regarded as an indicator of the sexual capabilities of men. Some people are of the opinion that the size of the neck protrusion is somehow related to the possibilities in bed. However, medicine does not approve of such an opinion, since in science this fact is not substantiated.

3. To date, it is possible to conduct an operation to reduce the size of an Adam's apple, which affects the change in voice. Despite the claims that it does not pose a particular danger, this procedure is complicated by the peculiarities of the structure of the larynx. That's why the protrusion of the neck does not usually remain, which gives the transsexual.

4. The expression "bosom friend" is known to many. However, few people thought about its meaning. The fact is that the phrase was formed in the form of "pawning an Adam's apple". In this sense, it was a drinking companion, not a best friend, as is now believed.

5. "Adam's apple" is present not only in humans, but also in other mammals. The thyroid cartilage performs similar functions. For example, in bats it is an important organ by which they manage to make a special sound.

6. Adam's apple is mobile, it is able to move down and up, which is well felt when swallowing, if you put your hand on it. People do not use this possibility in any way, but animals regulate the timbre of the voice during communication, due to which they understand each other.

Thus, Adam's apple is an important organ not only for humans, but also for animals. In both cases, he performs a protective function, and also signals about possible serious diseases. If there are pains, swelling, unpleasant sensations in the place of formation of the angle of the thyroid cartilage or disturb other similar symptoms, it is worthwhile to consult a doctor in a timely manner. As for the appearance, even if the Adam's apple spoils, do not resort to surgery. Any operation is a risk, no matter how easy it is. If health does not threaten anything, you do not need to correct what is created by nature itself.