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What are the characteristic physical features of Down syndrome?

What are the characteristic physical features of Down syndrome?

Some common physical features of Down syndrome include: A flattened face, especially the bridge of the nose. Almond-shaped eyes that slant up. A short neck.

What are 4 characteristics of Down syndrome?

Short neck, with excess skin at the back of the neck. Flattened facial profile and nose. Small head, ears, and mouth. Upward slanting eyes, often with a skin fold that comes out from the upper eyelid and covers the inner corner of the eye.

What are some phenotypic characteristics of someone with Down syndrome?

This region was associated with several of the major DS phenotypes, including protruding tongue and flat facies (largely a function of hypoplastic mandible and craniofacial skeleton, respectively), short stature, mental retardation, joint hyperlaxity, muscle hypotonia, and a variety of dermatoglyphic abnormalities.

What would the karyotype look like if the person has Down syndrome?

The number 46 indicates that there were 46 chromosomes present, and the XX indicates there were two X chromosomes so the person is female. If the individual was a boy, it would say 46, XY. If your child has been diagnosed with Down syndrome, the karyotype image would have an extra copy of chromosome 21 as seen below.

What are the physical characteristics of Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a chromosome disorder associated with intellectual disability, a characteristic facial appearance, with small nose and an upward slant to the eyes, and low muscle tone in infancy. The degree of intellectual disability varies from mild to moderate.

How does Down syndrome affect babies and toddlers?

Almost all infants with Down syndrome have low muscle tone (hypotonia), meaning their muscles are weakened and appear somewhat floppy. 3  Low muscle tone can make it more difficult to roll over, sit-up, stand and talk. In newborns, hypotonia can also cause feeding problems.

Why do so many people with Down Syndrome look the same?

While not all people with Down syndrome share the exact same physical characteristics, there are some features that tend to occur in this genetic disorder. This is why people with Down syndrome have a similar appearance. Three features that are found in nearly every person with Down syndrome are: 2 

How does low muscle tone affect a person with Down syndrome?

Low muscle tone affects all the muscles in the body. A baby, for example, may appear “floppy.” It affects movement, strength, speech, and development. It cannot be cured, however, there are many therapies available to help individuals with Down syndrome improve their muscle tone, such as Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy.