Adam's apple function and the 4 risks that accompany it & bull; hello healthy

Adam's apple is a part of the body that is generally easier to see in men. Adam's apple is also synonymous with masculine character or masculinity and begins to grow when men enter puberty. Then, what exactly is the function of the Adam's apple in the human body? Is there a disease or disorder that you need to be aware of regarding the Adam's apple?

What is Adam's apple?

Source: Healthline

Jakun is known by a medical term prominentia laryngea. This organ is a part in the form of a bulge in the throat and intersects with the human respiratory system.

Jakun is composed of cartilage which is strong, but softer and more flexible than bone in general. It lies just above the thyroid gland in the anatomy of the human neck.

Quoted from Young Men's Health, both men and women actually have an Adam's apple. However, the growth of this organ will be much greater in males than females when entering puberty.

The growth of the Adam's apple is greatly influenced by the very rapid growth of the larynx or voice box at puberty due to an increase in the hormone testosterone in the body.

The larynx, which also protects the vocal cords, has a function as a voice generator, whether you are talking, laughing, whispering, singing, or even shouting.

As the larynx grows, the surrounding cartilage grows and sticks out into the front of the throat. This is known as Adam's apple and is commonly found in men.

The greater the size of the larynx generally makes the voice characteristics lower and deeper. While the small size of the larynx, such as in women, makes the characteristics of the sound produced higher.

Can women also have an Adam's apple?

Basically all humans, both men and women alike have an Adam's apple. But in general, women do not have the size of their Adam's apple.

The reasons women do not have the appearance of the Adam's apple as big as men are influenced by hormonal factors during puberty and the structure of the women's neck bones which are not as sturdy and thick as men.

However, there are also some women who have a prominent Adam's apple. This condition can be influenced by anatomical anomalies, genetic factors, and hormonal imbalances during puberty.

Recognize the facts and functions of the Adam's apple in humans

In English, this section is known by the term Adam's apple. Why is the term Adam's apple used to refer to parts prominentia laryngea is made of thyroid cartilage?

Term Adam's apple taken from part of the story of the Garden of Eden, when the prophet Adam broke God's command and ate a piece of the forbidden fruit. As a result of his negligence, the piece of fruit eventually stuck in his throat and is experienced by all of his descendants to this day.

Adam's apple or Adam's apple medically does not have a specific function. But quoted from the journal Anatomy, Head and Neck, Adam's AppleThe Adam's apple has the same main function as the thyroid cartilage that makes it up, namely to protect the larynx behind it.

As is known, the larynx also protects the vocal cords that help the human function to speak, shout, whisper, sing, or laugh.

Various conditions and disorders in Adam's apple

Big or small Adam's apple does not affect your health condition at all. However, if the Adam's apple is swollen and affects the area around it you need to be vigilant.

Some diseases and disorders that can affect the condition of one of these parts of the throat include the following.

1. Inflammation of the vocal cords

Inflammation of the vocal cords or known as laryngitis is a condition that affects the vocal cords so that they swell and cause hoarseness.

Inflammation of the vocal cords can be caused by viral infection, irritation, and overuse of the vocal cords, such as when shouting or singing.

Laryngitis generally goes away within 2-3 weeks, but this condition can last longer so it is called chronic laryngitis and requires certain treatment.

2. Sore throat

Sore throat or pharyngitis is an inflammatory condition that occurs in the throat (pharynx). This condition in Indonesian society is also known as heatiness.

Common causes of pharyngitis are viral and bacterial infections. This condition generally causes symptoms, such as sore throat, pain when speaking, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness.

The sore throat condition generally gets better within 5-7 days. Recovery can be done with strep throat medications, such as pain relievers and antibiotics.

3. Cancer of the larynx

Malignant or cancerous cells can also potentially grow and attack the part of the larynx that is protected by the Adam's apple, which is known as laryngeal cancer.

The growth of cancer cells in the larynx can appear anywhere, such as the supraglottis, glottis, and subglottis. Because it can also affect the vocal cords in the larynx, this disease is also known as vocal cord cancer.

Vocal cord surgery procedures can be performed to remove cancer cells from spreading to other tissues. In addition, radiotherapy and chemotherapy can also be done to kill cancer cells.

4. Thyroid cancer

Swollen Adam's apple can also be affected by thyroid cancer, which is caused by the abnormal development of thyroid cells. This is because the Adam's apple is right above the thyroid gland in the neck.

Thyroid cancer in the early stages is characterized by the appearance of a lump on the neck. The lump is initially benign and harmless, but about 1% of these conditions have the potential to develop into cancer.

Treatment of thyroid cancer includes surgical procedures, radioactive iodine ablation, thyroid hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

If you notice symptoms such as swelling around the neck, sore throat, coughing, difficulty swallowing, and breathing for a long time, you should see a doctor immediately.

Proper handling, especially the diagnosis of head and neck cancer at an early stage, will certainly facilitate the process of treatment and recovery.