->> Down syndrome is associated with a particular set of facial features and physical characteristics. Down syndrome presents many physical and behavioral commonalities among unique individuals. These commonalities give people with Down syndrome the appearance of being “related” or “brothers and sisters.” It is clear that they have genetic similarities. Some of the physical features that are popularly ascribed to Down syndrome may also appear in people with a standard set of chromosomes. It is the combination of these features that gives the physical indication of a Down syndrome diagnosis. These features include macroglossia (protruding tongue), epicanthic fold (almond shape to the eyes), up-slanting palpebral fissures (the separation between the upper and lower eyelids), a single transverse palmar crease or a simian crease (a single instead of a double crease across one or both palms of the hands), hypotonia (low muscle tone), hyperflexibility (looseness in the joints), a larger than normal space between the big and second toes, and brachycephaly (flatness to the back of the head and neck). The Down syndrome genetic commonality is present in these physical features. However, it is important to remember that every person with Down syndrome is overall a distinct and unique individual (that just so happens to be a member of an amazing, and very exclusive, club).
