Condition caused by a chromosomal abnormality
(the presence of an extra chromosome) which
in humans produces mental retardation; a
flattened face; coarse, straight hair; and a
fold of skin at the inner edge of the eye
(hence the former name `mongolism'). Those
afflicted are usually born to mothers over 40
(one in 100); they are good-natured and
teachable with special education. The
syndrome is named after J L H Down
(1828-1896), an English physician who studied
it.