Mongoloid or Down Syndrome
By luzamper
@luzamper (1357)
Philippines
March 5, 2007 10:32pm CST
It is a congenital disorder, caused by the presence of an extra 21st chromosome, in which the affected person has mild to moderate mental retardation, short stature, and a flattened facial profile.
The most common type (trisomy 21) is due to a nondisjunction of chromosome 21 during the original cell division, resulting in an extra chromosome 21. These children have a total of 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. However, the extra material from chromosome 21 can also be attached to another chromosome through translocation; such children have Down syndrome but only 46 chromosomes. More rarely, the trisomy 21 breaks up, giving some cells with 47 chromosomes and some with 46 (mosaicism).
The characteristic physical features include almond-shaped eyes; a rounded, brachycephalic skull with flattened occipital region; a broad, flattened bridge of the nose; an enlarged fissured tongue; broad hands with stubby fingers; often a single “simian” palmar crease; hypotonic muscle development; thick, everted, and cracked lips; dry, rough skin; subnormal height; and infantile genitalia. Not all of these physical signs are present in every case, and some may be observed in individuals without Down syndrome. However, Down syndrome is diagnosed when most of the anomalies are present.
I have 2 daughters and the younger is like this. But she gives us a lot of joy and I love her very much.
4 people like this
6 responses
@erminiasanjose (1588)
• Philippines
6 Mar 07
It is very informative. I have seen some like these. We have a distant relative in the province who is like these, I think she is of my age or a little bit younger. People sometimes consider these as some who bring good luck.
@arseniajoaquin (1732)
• Philippines
6 Mar 07
We have to be patient and contented with what we have. Your daughter is also a blessing although it's really very difficult to be in such a situation. We should just keep on praying and God will not forsake us.
@brendalee (6082)
• United States
6 Mar 07
My son has a friend who has a two year old girl with Down Syndrome. She has the most beautiful smile that I have ever seen. I will walk into the house and she just looks at me and gives me that big smile. It is so sweet.
2 people like this
@celinlocario (334)
• Philippines
13 Mar 07
That is a congenital disorder and all that we can do is to be patient and pray for strength to face whatever problem we have.
@Starline (681)
• United States
13 Mar 07
My experience is that people with Downs syndrome are very happy in general. I don't know if it's true for everyone of course, but I know a man with the syndrome that walks by my window every once in a while and he always has happy conversations with himself. He is blessed.
1 person likes this
@cestlavie (40)
• Philippines
6 Mar 07
I may add that the term "mongoloid" is very discriminating and downright rude because to be politically correct in the real sense, we call these little patients "children afflicted with Down Syndrome." Thanks for the scientific explanation which sometimes can be really hard to grasped by ordinary individuals like me. I'm hoping the best of health for your kids. Nice meeting you.
@mom24boys (8)
• United States
9 Jul 07
You are right!
Mongodoid isn't considered acceptable anymore. It's an old term derived from the fact that people used to find similarity between the facial features of Down Syndrome and the facial features of people from Mongolia.
Later, a doctor which discovered the cause of Down Syndrome (trisomy 21, or an extra 21st chromosome) named it "Down Syndrome" after himself. His last name was "Down."
