What is commonly referred to as the Adams apple?

The term "Adams apple" is commonly used to refer to a prominent feature of the larynx, particularly in males, where it becomes more noticeable during puberty due to the growth of the laryngeal cartilage. The larynx itself is responsible for voice production and protecting the airway during swallowing, making it an essential part of the respiratory and vocal systems.

While the thyroid gland contributes to the structure surrounding the larynx, it is not the actual "Adams apple." Instead, the visible bump that most people identify with this term arises from the thyroid cartilage that forms the front of the larynx. This prominence is more pronounced in men compared to women due to hormonal influences during puberty, which cause the larynx to grow larger and the cartilage to be more prominent.

In contrast, the trachea is the windpipe that carries air to the lungs, the pharynx is a muscular tube that connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the larynx and esophagus, and while they are all part of the airway and vocal mechanisms, they do not refer to the feature commonly known as the Adams apple. Thus, the thyroid cartilage associated with the larynx is indeed the correct reference for the Adams apple.