Which structure forms the Adam's apple in the human body?

The correct answer is the thyroid cartilage, which is the structure that forms the distinctive Adam's apple in the human body. The thyroid cartilage is a shield-shaped structure that protects the vocal cords located in the larynx. It's larger in males than in females, contributing to the more prominent appearance of the Adam's apple in men, particularly during puberty when the voice deepens and the larynx grows.

The hyoid bone, while it plays a significant role in the structure of the throat and supporting the tongue, does not contribute to the formation of the Adam's apple itself. The cricoid cartilage serves as a complete ring of cartilage around the airway, but it is located below the thyroid cartilage and does not form the visible prominence associated with the Adam's apple. Throat muscles are involved in swallowing and speaking but do not have a structural role in forming the Adam's apple. Thus, the thyroid cartilage is the correct answer as it is the structure that gives rise to this noticeable feature of the neck.