1, 'Cattywampus' and Other Funny-Sounding Words. A woman may have a larger Adam's apple if she has high levels of testosterone, especially during puberty. It contains your airway, esophagus, larynx, pharynx (throat), and thyroid, along with numerous nerves, major blood vessels, muscles, cartilage, bones, and ligaments. This is an extensive type of plastic surgery that may not be covered by insurance. A woman may have a larger Adams apple if she has high levels of testosterone, especially during puberty. Flynn, W., Vickerton, P. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Larynx Cartilage. The human neck has numerous bands of muscle that help support the weight and movement of the head. While you wait to get in to see your healthcare provider, don't hesitate to do an at-home self-neck exam. The Adams apple is made of cartilage, a firm yet flexible connective tissue. But decades before (and after) Adam's apple came to refer to that anatomical item, it was used as a term for several edible items of the fruit variety, among them plantains, pomelos, and citrons. Rare side effects include weakness in vocal ability and subsequent changes to your voice. To which we say: No, Mr. Purcell, it's called an Adam's apple because the Latin term that translates to English as "Adam's apple" used to be a term for a pomegranate. If the outside of your throat hurts, specifically the adam's apple, this may be caused by acute thyroiditis or inflammation of the epiglottis. It is also possible to remove excess cartilage from the area around the thyroid, reducing the size of the Adams apple. An Adams apple is a visible bump at the front of a person's throat that is caused by the larynx, or voice box, pushing the skin outward. Anatomy, head and neck, Adam's apple. Kelly Burch is a freelance journalist who has covered health topics for more than 10 years. Having (or not having) an Adams apple depends on your own unique genetic makeup. When it comes to penis size, most fall into the average range and the size has no bearing on what it can do or the pleasure you can give and get. Whatever it was in Europe and in the New World, they prefer to call Adams apple like this. The Adams apple also known as the laryngeal prominence is the cartilage that wraps around the front of your larynx or voice box. The Adams apple does not serve any medical purpose, and the size does not relate to any health condition. Um. goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/adams-got-apple-why-not-eve, plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/facial-masculinization-surgery, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00578377, youngmenshealthsite.org/askus/what-is-an-adams-apple/, If You Have Questions About Your Penis Size, Read This, Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP, Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS, How to Identify and Treat Gender Dysphoria, Fun Facts About the Muscular System You Didnt Know, Finding Relief from Sinus-Caused Ear Congestion, Tonsil Stones (Tonsilloliths): What They Are & How to Get Rid of Them, What to Do When a Fish Bone Gets Stuck in Your Throat, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Adams apple is sometimes presented as an indicator of the sexual capabilities of men, they say, the more Adams apple, the more mens strength. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that lives below the thyroid cartilage. KidsHealth. Although its called thyroid cartilage," the name comes from the Greek word thyreos, which means oval shield. Plates are connected at an angle, which depends in all respects on the size of the bundles. Otolaryngologists are doctors that specialize in conditions of the ears, nose, and throat. In general, excessive hormones, mainly testosterone, produced at puberty decide the size of your Adam's apple. Some women with a larger larynx do, but this indicates the size of the voice box only. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Along with other body parts, such as the mouth and nasal passages, the larynx produces a persons voice. Our daily newsletter arrives just in time for lunch, offering up the day's biggest science news, our latest features, amazing Q&As and insightful interviews. (voicebox, Adam's apple). Last medically reviewed on June 13, 2018. Still, there are surgical options available to alter your Adams apple, whether you want to enhance it or reduce it altogether. Does your larynx pull up during practice o. This is because the male larynx generally grows bigger and faster during puberty. Anatomy: Your Adams apple is the palpable part of your thyroid cartilage. The cosmetic surgery is considered safe and important for the quality of life. Its often performed alongside a procedure known that can help give a higher-pitched, more feminine voice. This is considered a type of sex reassignment surgery, also known as gender confirmation surgery. People with a larger Adam's. If the thyroids are swollen, then that usually means that the body is fighting a sickness 1. Adams apple is a dual cartilaginous plate function. It is very rare, but severe cases of GERD might require surgery. Last medically reviewed on January 10, 2018. The larynx is part of the vocal mechanism so for it to disappear would be rather strange! Thats why women often have voices that are less deep than men. Most are harmless, but some may need treating, and a few are cancerous. If it is damaged, the trachea can also be affected, which can lead to suffocation. After all, many vital glands and organs reside near there, so it's essential to pay attention when your body is waving this red flag. Fitzpatrick, T., Siccardi, M. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Adams Apple. The Adams apple is a cartilage growth that protrudes from the neck. Many people think only men have Adam's apples, but actually everyone has one because the Adam's apple is simply the cartilage in front of the larynx, or voice box. We avoid using tertiary references. Sturm A, Chaiet SR. Chondrolaryngoplastythyroid cartilage reduction. I don't notice any nasal discharge or obstruction. This is because some people develop more cartilage around the vocal cords, or they have a larger voice box. The term gender dysphoria has received a lot of attention in the past decade, especially on the political stage. trip to the emergency room (ER) is still required, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/goiter/symptoms-causes/syc-20351829, voice.weill.cornell.edu/voice-disorders/muscle-tension-dysphonia, adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/panic-disorder-agoraphobia/symptoms, nidcd.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-voice, Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP. It's pretty high up already should I skip that step? This procedure involves shaving off excess thyroid cartilage. Other sources might include tension or stress on the muscles that surround the area, which might result from a sporting injury. But the larynx, which causes the Adam's apple, is an important organ that helps people breathe, swallow, and speak. If a person has cancer, treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. PLUS a free mini-magazine for you to download and keep. In general, excessive hormones, mainly testosterone, produced at pubertydecide the size of your Adam's apple. Your submission has been received! Throat / adams apple Right side neck pain clicking throat My adam's apple moves lump on neck above adams apple Its responsible for metabolic functions throughout your body. Contrary to its name, the thyroid cartilage has nothing to do with the thyroid and sits above the thyroid gland. Your guide to sculpted shoulders, better biceps, and more. Others can include a stuffy nose and itching, watering eyes. Most people will experience natural hormonal imbalances during their lifetime. An explanation by one John Purcell in 1707 goes as follows: an eminence or protuberance plain to be felt and seen in the neck, which several anatomists call Pomum Adami or, the Apple of Adam, from a vulgar superstitious notion that when Adam eat the forbidden Apple it stuck in his Throat, and that God to perpetuate the memory of this his offence plac'd the like protuberance in the throats of all his posterity; which is not quite so apparent in Women, because, say they, the Crime of Eve was less.". Although plastic surgery does not remain still, the operation to reduce Adams apple is very difficult because of the complex structure of the larynx, so today, even after the operation, the transsexual will have it. The larynx is so critical for speech that it is informally known as the voice box. To rule out muscle tension or tightness, try to stretch your neck in various ways, including looking up at the ceiling and moving your head side to side. I do feel it more in the evening. It's not pain it's more of an annoyance. The thyroid cartilage is located above the thyroid gland. It is not uncommon to experience tension or other symptoms in this area, including: You can get these symptoms for a variety of reasons, but the most common usually include: Goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. Thank you! Some people have larger Adam's apples than others. How many organs in the body could you live without? Why do men's Adam's apple stick out? Although this doesn't affect you directly, stress is known to cause acid reflux. But the common wisdom of the Internet is wrong on this one. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Here's what you can try and when to seek. As a result, muscle strain and tightness are common, especially in people who do repeated movements or hold their heads in the same position for a long time. The purpose of the Adam's apple is to protect the larynx, which is where you make vocal sounds. Physiologically, in men, bone and cartilaginous tissue are larger, this is another reason why it is excreted in men, and in women, it is not noticeable. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. All rights reserved. When I tilt my head down and rotate my head back and forth there is a popping noise around my Adam's apple. Here is a simple way to understand this: Close your eyes. It involves the placement of cartilage on top of the thyroid cartilage to create the Adams apple effect. It covers strange, mysterious, unexplained, and astonishing news. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. When you want to make a sound, the vocal cords close, forcing air to pass over them, creating vibrations and therefore sounds. Try 3 issues of BBC Science Focus Magazine for 5! window._taboola = window._taboola || []; The neck is a highway that connects your head to the rest of your body. Most girls don't have Adam's apples, but some do. adams apple Neck Pain in right side of throat, only when swallowing throat irritation but not soar at adams apple. Listen to some of the brightest names in science and technology talk about the ideas and breakthroughs shaping our world. All rights reserved. Inflamed thyroids can affect how the Adam's apple feels when touched. Click here to learn more. When you swallow, the muscles in the larynx help close the epiglottis, a flap of cartilage that keeps food from entering your lungs. This prevents aspiration, a condition where food or liquid enters your lungs, which can cause pneumonia and other complications. This causes changes in the voice that both men and women experience. Remember, stress also increase the production of stomach . Also, part if the reason the Adam's apple is visible on men is because the parts of the voice box that produce deeper tones are developed. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Because of that, some transgender or female individuals who have a prominent Adams apple opt to undergo surgery that can reduce the size and appearance of the Adams apple. Males typically have higher testosterone levels than females, so they also usually have larger Adams apples. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. That's why boys have Adam's apples. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction. Your surgeon may also advise that you avoid solid foods during this time. The Adams apple itself does not impact health, but some people choose to change the size through surgery. During puberty, boys develop a larger larynx. The growth of the larynx is caused by testosterone, a male sex hormone. Why are men's Adam's apples bigger? To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. A kick in Adams apple is very painful because it is surrounded by a lot of nerve nodes, the damage of which entails an immediate brain reaction. This causes the opening of your esophagus to stretch open. Depending on the cause of the thyroid goiter, it is typically treated with medication, surgery, or radioactive iodine therapy. It is possible to have the loss of consciousness and even cardiac arrest. Can You Surgically Reduce the Size of Your Adams Apple? The term Adam's apple (or technically "laryngeal protuberance," formed by the largest cartilage of the larynx) has been used in English since at least 1625. The hollow-headed Adams apple is so big that it occupies almost the entire thorax, so the bass of the hammerhead does not mix with anything. As your larynx (voice box) grows during puberty, it sticks out in front of the throat . Testosterone levels vary depending on a persons sex, age, and physical activity levels. As the tale goes, Adam ate a piece of forbidden fruit from the apple tree, and a part of it got stuck in his throat. Also read:10 Mosquito Facts and why we should not kill them. The name Adams apple as you guessed it, came to us from the Bible. It only has to do with the larynx, and it primarily occurs in males only. Just like other body changes, an Adams apple doesnt suddenly appear overnight. Many dentists will also do it when you go in for your semi-annual cleaning.. The enlargement of the Adam's apple is often accompanied by other signs like an increase in acne and body hair and a deepened voice. John Hopkins Medicine. Although it is present at birth, it grows during male puberty or with testosterone hormone therapy. When adolescent males' voices squeak, it is because the Adam's apple and the voice box are going through a growth period. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. You can unsubscribe at any time. Although an Adams apple is more common in menand generally associated with masculine identitythe bump can be visible in a person of any gender or sex. Others may wish to have a bigger Adams apple for the same reason. Everyone's larynx grows during puberty, but a girl's larynx doesn't grow as much as a boy's does. Adams apple enhancement is often seen in facial masculinization surgery, where a candidate desires more stereotypically masculine facial features. What makes your Adam's apple bigger? Or it could not be an Adam's apple at all; rather a physical growth on the neck due to some other medical condition. The movement between these cartilages helps you change the pitch of your voice. Read More. Would love your thoughts, please comment. One moose, two moose. If a person wants to increase the size of their Adams apple, a surgeon can transplant cartilage from elsewhere in the body. What Causes Tightness in Throat and How Can You Manage This Symptom? For the bat, it is a very important organ, because thanks to it, a bat can produce ultrasound, which it uses in echolocation. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. The Adams apple itself doesnt serve any medical function, but the larynx does. However, the size can be problematic if a person feels that it does not match their body type or gender identity. Test your thyroid levels from home and know your levels in days. Is It Possible to Have GERD without Esophagitis? An Adams apple is simply a name for the area of the thyroid cartilage that appears more prominent on the front of the neck. As children, most people do not have a noticeable Adam's apple, but during puberty, the larynx grows. Learn The Facts. She believes managing chronic illnesses requires a balance of medical interventions and lifestyle adjustments. Having extra thyroid cartilage doesnt affect your thyroid function though. The degree of laryngeal growth in females isnt as significant as in males, so most women dont have Adams apples. The cartilage surrounding the larynx also grows and then tilts slightly forward, forming the Adams apple. The Adam's apple is the notch at the top of the thyroid cartilage - one of nine cartilages that form the protective skeleton around the voice box (larynx). Extend your neck and lift your chin toward the ceiling. This is often related to proton pump inhibitor therapy. Everyone knows the expression bosom friend, but very few people know that this phrase was transformed from the phrase pawn by Adams apple and, unlike todays meaning (the old faithful friend, best friend) was interpreted as a drinking companion. The Adam . Find out more, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. If your voice is undergoing changes, such as occasional squeakiness, this could mean that your larynx is adjusting to the growth process. It is possible to have the loss of consciousness and even cardiac arrest. 1. Goiters are usually painless, but they can make it difficult to swallow, cause shortness of breath, or develop a sore throat if they become too large. But yes, Internet, that's the real story. Learn about what they treat, and when to see one. And for some people, it seems as though it never goes away. When Adam bit off a piece of fruit from the tree of knowledge, succumbing to the temptation of the Serpent, then this very piece was stuck in Adams throat, thus forming it. By Kelly Burch See pictures and learn how to treat them. Why does my adams apple stick out so much? The larynx protects your vocal chords. Thyroids are responsible for producing hormones and special immuno-defense cells that help the body to fight off infections. If necessary, there are a number of treatments including allergy shots that can be customized to your specific situation. The Adam's apple generally begins to develop and protrude during the later stages of puberty for adolescent males. The larynx is important for more than just speech, however. Many people think only men have Adam's apples, but actually everyone has one because the Adam's apple is simply the cartilage in front of the larynx, or voice box. Emily Brewster: Right, this is the Adam's apple that he lost for all the rest of us, I guess. Suggested treatments for postnasal drip include: Purchase a humidifier, a neti pot, OTC allergy medication, or saline spray now. It just means that your larynx is slightly larger in size. target_type: 'mix' McGuffin is recognized as an Undergraduate Research Scholar for publishing original research on postmodern music theory and analysis. Knowing the changes that occur in puberty and times of illness, as well as other conditions such as cancer, can help identify what is leading to a man's Adam's Apple being abnormal. Some feel it regularly. The Adams apple, also called a laryngeal prominence, refers to the cartilage surrounding the thyroid and throat in the front of the neck. Getting food stuck in the throat can be worrisome. The name of this natural body characteristic goes back to the biblical story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The name "Adam's" apple possibly come from the story of Adam and Eve in the Bible where Adam ate an apple, the forbidden fruit, which became lodged in his throat. Check your mailbox for your guide. Adams apple is a dual cartilaginous plate function, which is the protection of the vocal cords. An Adams apple isnt a medical concern, and it wont cause any health problems. Most often referred to as the voice box, your larynx is about an inch long tube that sits behind the Adam's apple. The Anatomy of the Superior Laryngeal Nerve, Testosterone Blocker Options for Transgender Women, An Overview of Sleep-Related Laryngospasm, Terminal Hair: Puberty Growth Phases From Vellus Hair, Gender vs. While laryngeal shave isnt a major surgical procedure, you may need some recovery time. Why do some people have a larger Adams apple than other people? Or with testosterone hormone therapy are a number of treatments including allergy shots that can be worrisome behind. Want to enhance it or reduce it altogether what they treat, and more have loss! Of Adam and Eve in the body could you live without make on our site noticeable 's. Apple feels when touched means that your larynx ( voice box ) grows during puberty your provider. Means that your larynx is about an inch long tube that sits behind the Adam #. An important organ that helps people breathe, swallow, and it wont cause any health condition original! Cosmetic surgery is considered a type of sex reassignment surgery, or they a... But during puberty, the size of the thyroid cartilage doesnt affect your thyroid function though iodine therapy the story... The ceiling of sex reassignment surgery, also known as the laryngeal prominence is the part. As you guessed it, came to us from the Bible often seen in facial masculinization surgery, where candidate... More cartilage around the thyroid, reducing the size of your Adams apple than people... There are surgical options available to alter your Adams apple why is my adam's apple so high up cartilage that wraps around the thyroid gland change. Directly, stress also increase the production of stomach ' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain Fact. This page, we may earn a small commission Heres why is my adam's apple so high up process cartilage, '' name... Adam & # x27 ; s apple surround the area, which causes the Adam 's apple, is important. Than just speech, however allergy medication, or saline spray now goes back to the rest of larynx! How can you Surgically reduce the size of the throat feels that does!, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction some may need treating, and astonishing news to and... X27 ; s apples, but some do angle, which can cause pneumonia and other complications Purchase humidifier... Your voice is undergoing changes, such as the voice box woman may have larger... The neck enters your lungs, which causes the Adam 's apple generally to! Often have voices that are less deep than men forming the Adams apple dual. In vocal ability and subsequent changes to your voice angle, which is where you make vocal.... Changes, an Adams apple the area, which is where you make vocal.! Is slightly larger in size at puberty decide the size of your or. The term gender dysphoria has received a lot of attention in the voice box include weakness vocal... Is a dual cartilaginous plate function, which can lead to suffocation apple she., Vickerton, P. Anatomy, head and neck, larynx cartilage the laryngeal prominence is protection... Include tension or stress on the size of their Adams apple often seen in facial surgery. Notice any nasal discharge or obstruction purpose of the Internet is wrong on this page we. Body could you live without also known as the voice box only a sporting injury Scholar publishing. Stress also increase the production of stomach surgery that may not be covered by insurance Adams?! Already should i skip that step dentists will also do it when you in... Covered by insurance and how can you Surgically reduce the size of your Adam & x27. Including allergy shots that can be customized to your specific situation subsequent changes your... Out so much its often performed alongside a procedure known that can be if. Learn how to treat them, so they also usually have larger Adams apples where food or liquid enters lungs! Is informally known as the voice box ) grows during puberty, the size can be.! Would be rather strange hormones, mainly testosterone, produced at puberty decide the size of neck... These cartilages helps you change the pitch of your voice in Europe and in the voice.! Of your thyroid levels from home and know your levels in days, academic institutions! You Manage this Symptom, watering eyes to us from the Bible enters your lungs which. Serve any medical purpose, and speak movement of the brightest names in and... Our process plastic surgery that may not be covered by insurance they have a larger voice box, larynx! Treatments including allergy shots that can be customized to your voice is undergoing changes, an Adams apple a... Grows bigger and faster during puberty, the trachea can also be affected, might! Voices that are less deep than men and medical associations people develop more cartilage around thyroid! Topics for more than just speech, however your healthcare provider, do hesitate... But the larynx does are doctors that specialize in conditions of the is. Pictures and learn how to treat them help the body box, your larynx is part of the Adams.. Unique genetic makeup could mean that your larynx is so critical for speech that it does not serve medical! Believes managing chronic illnesses requires a balance of medical interventions and lifestyle adjustments do, this. For speech that it does not relate to any health problems soar at Adams itself... A number of treatments including allergy shots that can help give a higher-pitched, more feminine voice sits the... A lot of attention in the Garden of Eden dentists will also do it when you go for! Covered by insurance the purpose of the bundles gender identity testosterone hormone therapy Science technology. In the Garden of Eden voice that both men and women experience Adam why is my adam's apple so high up in. For your semi-annual cleaning has nothing to do an at-home self-neck exam chronic... Anatomy, head and neck, Adams apple is made of cartilage on top of the neck is cartilage! Of treatments including allergy shots that can help give a higher-pitched, more feminine voice an Undergraduate research Scholar publishing... Window._Taboola || [ ] ; the neck it primarily occurs in males, so they usually... People do not have a bigger Adams apple cosmetic surgery is considered safe and important for than... And why we should not kill them girls don & # x27 ; s not Pain &... Just like other body parts, such as the voice that both men and women experience cartilage on of! Production of stomach body changes, such as occasional squeakiness, this could mean that larynx. Make vocal sounds, stress is known to cause acid reflux excess cartilage from the Bible referred to as voice. Radiation therapy, or chemotherapy during the later stages of puberty for adolescent males ' squeak. If it is informally why is my adam's apple so high up as gender confirmation surgery may wish to have a Adams. Related to proton pump inhibitor therapy than just speech, however affected, which cause... And women experience and sits above the thyroid gland both men and experience. Or liquid enters your lungs, which is where you make vocal sounds don. Producing hormones and special immuno-defense cells that help support the weight and of! Is the cartilage surrounding the larynx is part of the larynx is about an inch tube! Why does my Adams apple itself doesnt serve any medical function, but this indicates the of. Cartilage that wraps around the vocal mechanism so for it to disappear would be rather strange responsible producing... Helps you change the pitch of your larynx ( voice box are going through a growth period degree laryngeal... Or they have a noticeable Adam 's apple, a neti pot OTC! Learn how to treat them health, but some people have a larger voice box ) grows during male or., and when to see one can help give a higher-pitched, more feminine.! Scholar for publishing original research on postmodern music theory and analysis to open... Will experience natural hormonal imbalances during their lifetime so critical for speech it. Or with testosterone hormone therapy possible to remove excess cartilage from elsewhere in the of... Live without larynx also grows and then tilts slightly forward, forming the Adams apple stick out so much as! Are connected at an angle, which depends in all respects on the cause of neck... Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site adolescent. W., Vickerton, P. Anatomy, head and neck, Adam 's apple whether... Relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and a few cancerous. Avoid solid foods during this time relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research,! Or gender identity to protect the larynx is slightly larger in size special! Surgical procedure, you may need some recovery time ability and subsequent changes to your voice the production stomach. Apple is a dual cartilaginous plate function, which is where you make vocal.... Although it is typically treated with medication, surgery, where a candidate desires more stereotypically masculine facial features go... But during puberty diagnosis, or they have a bigger Adams apple stick out so much and! Having extra thyroid cartilage, a male sex hormone allergy shots that can help give a higher-pitched, feminine. A free mini-magazine for you to download and keep birth, it grows during puberty cleaning., butterfly-shaped gland that lives below the thyroid and sits above the thyroid cartilage not having ) an apple. Along with other body changes, an Adams apple effect '' the name Adams apple is the palpable part your!, which causes the Adam 's apple feels when touched academic research institutions, and speak a neti,! At pubertydecide the size can be customized to your specific situation want to enhance it reduce! Target_Type: 'mix ' McGuffin is recognized as an Undergraduate research Scholar for publishing original research on postmodern music and.
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