Thyroid Cartilage

Last updated: May 5th, 2025

The thyroid cartilage is part of the larynx, or voice box. It was named for the thyroid gland that covers its lower part. This cartilage is the shield like structure that protrudes in the front of the neck and is sometimes called the Adam's apple. The protrusion is usually more prominent in males than in females because of the effect of male sex hormones on the development of the larynx.