| MadSci Network: Anatomy |
Dear Ms. Chandler,
Thank you for your questions concerning:
1. Adam's Apple in males and not females
2. Nipples in males and possibility of lactation
3. Number of ribs in males vs. females
ANSWERS
1. What is commonly called Adam's Apple is known as the larynx. It is composed of several cartilages, connective tissue, and several muscles. This cartilaginous tube is interposed between the trachea and the oral pharynx and air travels through it on the way to and from the lungs. As the air comes from the lungs to the outside, muscles of the larynx modify the vocal cords located inside the larynx, permitting the formation of sounds. These sounds are then modulated by the tongue and lips to permit vocalization. Both males and females possess a larynx. Prior to puberty the larynx of the male is the same size as that of a female, however, at puberty the male larynx changes its shape slightly and becomes larger than that of a female. The reason for this sex difference in the size of the larynx is not known.
2. Nipples are also similar to the above answer. They are the same size in males and females prior to puberty. At puberty the nipples of the female enlarge and breasts develop. This does not occur in the male. However, if males were to be injected with the proper female hormones, they would develop breasts, and if were subjected to additional hormone therapy, they would be able to lactate. You may be interested in knowing that some males have breast cancer, and it is just as serious in males as in females (at least from a physical if not a psychological perspective). The number of males suffering from breast cancer is much fewer than females.
3. The number of ribs in males and females is identical. Twelve pairs. The Bible never said that Adam had eleven ribs, he had twelve and God removed one to make Eve. So there is no reason to assume that their male progeny should have less than twelve ribs.