Why do men have an Adam's apple, but women don't? That prominent chunk of stiff cartilage that's wrapped around the larynx is actually found in both men and women, though it tends to be a little more prominent in men. Also known as the laryngeal prominence, the Adam's apple is part of a cartilage structure that sits on top of the thyroid gland. That general area is called the thyroid cartilage. Thyroid cartilage in young boys and girls is about the same size, but this changes once puberty hits and testosterone levels in boys increase.
As boys mature, their voice boxes frequently become significantly larger than in girls. Larger voice boxes are what lend men's voices their deeper tones, and they also push the thyroid cartilage outward. A ridge at the front of the structure creates the distinctive shape in the throat that we call the Adam's apple.
But does it do anything? Not really. Like the cartilage in your nose or ears, it's just kind of there.
Adam's apples, just one of life's little mysteries. If you'd like more Life's Little Mysteries, check out these videos and read even more on LiveScience.com.