Kadyk or, as it is also called, "Adam's apple", reminds of the gender difference of people. According to legend, the first man on Earth tasted the forbidden heavenly fruit, choked, and it got stuck in his throat.
So says the biblical parable, but what do the scientific publications say?
Structure
Adam's apple is a protrusion that is formed by the angle of the thyroid cartilage surrounding the larynx. "Adam's apple" forms a tubercle under the skin in an adult male. Do women have an Adam's apple? Certainly, but less visible.
In men, an acute angle is formed at the intersection of two parts of cartilage tissue (about 90°), an open arc is formed in the opposite sex (about 120°).
It's all about the hormones
Adam's apple is a secondary sexual sign among representatives of the strong half of humanity. If the female body is dominated by male hormones, the protrusion on the neck may be more noticeable.
Formation
From birth, cartilage is soft. When a boy reaches puberty, they thicken. At this time, testosterone (male hormone) begins to be actively produced, the secretions and glands of organs and tissues work more actively, the Adam's apple is formed. Sometimes it reaches a huge size, which is why manyguys develop complexes.
Adam's apple moves when swallowing.
Functions
Why is Adam's apple needed? "Adam's apple" together with the thyroid cartilage provides protection for the larynx and the vocal cords located in it. When eating, cartilage reliably protects the airways from food, so that it successfully enters directly for its intended purpose. The throat is one of the most vulnerable places in a person, so protecting it is very important.
One more of its functions is related to the timbre of the voice. As you know, in men it is lower than in women, and this is the merit of the thyroid cartilage. It is not difficult to explain this phenomenon: as the guy grows older, the cartilage tissue that is in the throat becomes denser, and the vocal cords are stretched.
Possible problems
Despite the fact that in most cases the thyroid cartilage does not cause discomfort, sometimes it does make itself felt. When certain diseases appear, the Adam's apple hurts, sticks out strongly, increasing in size. What ailments cause these symptoms?
Hypothyroidism
This disease is associated with a malfunction of the thyroid gland. This body begins to produce such an amount of hormones that are not enough for the normal functioning of the body. In the presence of such an ailment, fatigue, constipation, cold intolerance in winter occur. Symptoms do not bypass the throat. The Adam's apple grows in size and sticks out more than usual.
Hyperthyroidism
Disease alsohas a connection with the thyroid gland, but in this case the opposite is true - the amount of hormones is excessive. The disease is accompanied by diarrhea, increased irritability, excessive sweating.
Fracture of cartilage tissue
Such a problem has a lot of serious consequences and a pronounced sign - the Adam's apple swells and hurts. Symptoms are felt strongly, which is difficult to ignore. In addition, many other unpleasant feelings arise.
Laryngitis
This disease is a common cause of problems associated with cartilage. The disease is accompanied by inflammatory processes caused by a viral infection. Symptoms are a strong barking cough, as well as pain in the Adam's apple. Often there is swelling of the mucous membrane, which causes difficulty in breathing.
TB and throat cancer
These diseases cause pain at the site of fusion of the thyroid cartilage, which is especially pronounced during swallowing and breathing. As the tumor grows in size, the symptoms become more intense. In this case, hemoptysis, difficulty eating, feeling of a coma below the Adam's apple are possible. When the body is struck by a tubercle bacillus, a sore throat appears, as well as a hoarseness in the voice.
Prompt Problem Solving Methods
Some men seek to achieve a change in the timbre of the voice through surgery. As a rule, endoscopic surgery is easy, but negative consequences cannot be completely ruled out. During this procedure, the vocal cords are shortened or thinned,due to which the desired effect is achieved.
Often, men, dissatisfied with their own appearance due to a large Adam's apple, resort to surgical methods, experiencing psychological discomfort. Surgery is performed to cut the front 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 ledge. 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 some interesting facts about the Adam's apple:
1. A blow to the place of fusion of the thyroid cartilage is very painful and dangerous, since there are many nerve endings around it. If they are damaged, a person can even lose consciousness for a while, the reaction of the brain is immediate. In addition, upon impact, injury to the trachea is possible, which leads to suffocation. Due to its vulnerability, the Adam's apple is a favorite place for hand-to-hand combatants.
2. Sometimes the "Adam's apple" is regarded as an indicator of a man's sexual capabilities. Some people are of the opinion that the size of the protrusion on the neck is somehow related to the possibilities in bed. However, medicine does not approve of this opinion, since this fact is not substantiated in science.
3. To date, it is possible to perform an operation to reduce the size of the Adam's apple, which affects the change in voice. Despite claims that it does not pose a particular danger, this procedure is complicated by the peculiarities of the structure of the larynx. That is why a protrusion on the neck usually remains, which betrays 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 "to lay by the Adam's apple." In this sense, it was about a drinking buddy, and not about the best friend, as is now considered.
5. "Adam's apple" is present not only in humans, but also in other mammals. In this case, the thyroid cartilage performs similar functions. For example, in bats, it is an important organ with which they manage to make a special sound.
6. The Adam's apple is mobile, it is able to move up and down, which is good when swallowing, if you put your hand on it. People do not use this opportunity in any way, but animals regulate the timbre of their voices when communicating, thanks to which they understand each other.
Thus, the Adam's apple is an important organ not only for humans, but also for animals. In both, it performs a protective function, and also signals possible serious diseases. If there are pains, tumors, discomfort at the site of the formation of the angle of the thyroid cartilage, or other similar symptoms, you should consult a doctor in a timely manner. As for the appearance, even if the Adam's apple spoils it, you should not resort to surgical intervention. Any operation is a risk, no matter how easy it may be. If nothing threatens he alth, do notyou need to correct what is created by nature itself.
