17 Questions
What is another name for the 'adam's apple'?
Larynx bump
Why is the 'adam's apple' more prominent in males than in females?
Due to a larger larynx in males
Which structure sits like a lid over the opening into the larynx?
Epiglottis
What does the larynx primarily protect against when eating and drinking?
Choking on food or liquids
How many cartilages make up the larynx?
Nine
What causes sound production in the larynx during speech?
Breath passing through, causing vocal cord vibrations
Where is the larynx positioned in newborn babies?
Higher up in the throat, close to the nose and mouth
What is the chromosomal makeup of a male human?
XY
In humans, which parent always contributes an X chromosome during meiosis?
Mother
If a female gamete (ovum) is fertilized by a Y-chromosome bearing sperm, what will be the gender of the offspring?
Male
What is the genetic makeup of a son who inherits his father's Y chromosome and has six X and one Y chromosome?
XXY
In natural sex determination processes, what happens when an X-chromosome bearing sperm meets an ovum?
A daughter is produced
At what moment does sex determination in unborn children occur?
At the moment of conception
What method involves choosing the sex of offspring by combining assisted reproductive technology with prenatal diagnosis?
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
How can artificial reproductive technologies assist couples in making informed decisions about their family composition?
By selecting against fetal chromosomal conditions
What does the text mention as a concern related to gender selection using ART procedures?
Ethical concerns due to sex-selective abortion
In sexual reproduction, what determines the sex of the offspring?
The type of sperm (X or Y) that enters the egg
Study Notes
Adam's Apple
The term 'adam's apple', also known as the laryngeal prominence, refers to the visible part of the larynx located above the neckline on men. This structure is more prominent in males due to their larger larynges compared to females. While it can appear as if the individual has an actual 'apple' growing on his throat, this is simply a misconception based on its appearance. In reality, the larynx is a vital organ responsible for important functions such as breathing, swallowing, and producing vocal sounds.
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx, which lies just behind the lower third of the throat, consists of nine cartilages that form three groups joined together by muscles, ligaments, and membranes. These structures create several cavities within the larynx: the vestibule, the ventricle (false cord), and the glottis. The epiglottis sits like a lid over the opening into the larynx and prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing.
Functions of the Larynx
The main function of the larynx is to protect the airway against choking while eating and drinking, and it plays a crucial role in speech production. When we speak, our breath passes through the larynx, causing vibrations in the vocal cords, which produce sound waves of varying pitch and volume.
Development of the Larynx
At birth, babies have a smaller larynx situated higher up in the throat, close to the nose and mouth. As they grow, the larynx gradually descends downward, becoming longer and narrower, allowing for increased lung capacity and facilitating clear speech. By around two years old, most children have developed the adult shape and size of the larynx, although there may still be some slight differences among individuals.
Conclusion
So, what exactly is an 'adam's apple'? It is essentially a highly functional and essential part of our body—the larynx. Its prominence varies between sexes and changes with age, providing us with valuable insights into human development and evolution. Understanding the complex workings of this small yet significant organ sheds light on how intricately designed our bodies truly are.
Explore the anatomy, functions, and development of the laryngeal prominence, commonly known as the 'adam's apple'. Learn about the cartilages, cavities, and role of the larynx in speech production and airway protection.
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