Down syndrome in Animals : Symptoms and medical conditions : Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the abnormal formation of an extra chromosome. It is a genetic disorder caused by abnormal cell division which results in the formation of an extra copy of chromosome 21.
Chromosomes are contained in the cells of every living creature.
Chromosome is a threadlike structure made up of protein and a single molecule of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA is passed from parents to offspring and it contains specific instructions that make each living creature unique.
Chromosomes are located inside the nucleus of animal and plant cells. The chromosomes carry genetic information in the form of genes.
Typically, every human being is born with 23 pairs of chromosomes. Half of these chromosomes are inherited from the mother and the other half from the father.
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that leads to the formation of an extra chromosome known as chromosome 21.
This extra chromosome causes the developmental changes and physical features of individuals with Down syndrome.
The estimated number of people born with Down syndrome is between 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,100 live births globally.
About 3,000 to 5,000 children are birthed with Down syndrome every year.
Symptoms of Down syndrome
People with Down syndrome have changes in their physical appearance as well as developmental changes.
Some of the common physical traits of individuals with Down syndrome include:
- Flattened face
- Flattened nose
- Almond-shaped eyes that slant up
- Short neck
- Small ears
- Small hands and feet
- Shorter height both as children and adult
- Tongue that tends to stick out of the mouth
- Tiny white spots on the iris of the eye
- A single line across the palm of the hand
- Small pinky fingers that may curve toward the thumb
- Poor muscle tone
- Loose joints
Read more about Down Syndrome In Animals : Symptoms And Medical Conditions
healthcare 