The thyroid cartilage, which is located in front of the voice box and enlarges during puberty, is the more official name for the Adam’s apple. Although the Adam’s apple serves almost no utility, it is a typical male physical characteristic. Learn more startling facts about Adam’s apples here. There are several misconceptions around them, such the origin of the name.
The biblical tale in Genesis was not the source of the name.
Although it makes sense that the term “Adam’s apple” would have originated from the account of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (and the fruit becoming lodged in Adam’s throat as a reminder of his transgression), resources.healthgrades.com states that this is not the case.
European authors have been using Latin variants of the term “Adam’s apple” to describe a variety of fruits, including pomegranates, since the early 1600s. For whatever reason, medieval Arabic medical writers chose the word “pomegranate” to describe the cartilage protrusion in the throat at the same time. Because the Latin words for “apple” and “pomegranate” are so similar, the English name for the Adam’s apple was derived from a pomegranate.
Why shouldn’t you handle a boy’s Adam’s apple?
Avoid touching a man’s Adam’s apple as it is a sensitive spot on his body and can make him more sensitive.
This theory draws attention to the Adam’s apple’s sensitivity, which is a prominent feature of the neck structure, particularly in men. The thyroid cartilage that surrounds the larynx, which is close to the voice cords and other important structures, forms the Adam’s apple. This cartilage can be very sensitive to the touch.
For some people, touching this area may seem intrusive and cause discomfort or a ticklish feeling. The statement “make them more sensitive” probably alludes to the way that unwelcome or frequent touching may increase awareness of the region, intensifying and discomforting the sensation. It acts as a subtle reminder to honor individual limits, especially in areas of the body that are so sensitive.
It might be better known as the Adam and Eve apple.
This is due to the fact that women can also have an Adam’s apple. Since the Adam’s apple is just the cartilage in front of the larynx, or voice box, everyone has one, despite the common belief that only men have them. Because a man’s Adam’s apple often grows larger than a woman’s, it stands out more. Usually invisible, the Adam’s apple in women can occasionally be seen.
Adam’s apple pain can indicate a more serious issue.
Pain in the neck and throat around the Adam’s apple may not be the actual cause of the pain, but it could be a major issue, according to resources.healthgrades.com. Laryngeal cancer is characterized by a number of symptoms, including a persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, foul breath, and persistent ear ache. Two of these symptoms include sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
Advanced thyroid cancer can also cause pain in the neck and throat, but it also has additional symptoms like hoarseness and enlarged lymph nodes. Before you worry, keep in mind that a painful throat may simply be a sign of heartburn or the typical cold. Consult your physician if you’re worried about chronic soreness around your Adam’s apple.