Why is the Adam's apple more prominent in men than in women?

The prominence of the Adam's apple, or laryngeal prominence, is primarily influenced by the development of the thyroid cartilage, which is more pronounced in males due to the effects of testosterone. During puberty, increased levels of testosterone cause the larynx to grow larger in males compared to females. This growth results in a more pronounced angle and larger thyroid cartilage, which forms the visible bulge known as the Adam's apple.

The relation between testosterone levels and the size of the laryngeal structures helps explain why men typically have a more prominent Adam's apple. While larger vocal cords and wider necks can be associated with masculinity, the distinct feature of the Adam's apple is directly related to hormonal influences on cartilage development rather than these other factors.