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Related to epicanthus: epicanthus inversus, epicanthus palpebralis, epicanthus supraciliaris, epicanthus tarsalis, telecanthus
a vertical fold of skin on either side of the nose, sometimes covering the inner canthus; a normal characteristic in persons of certain races, but anomalous in others. adj., adj epican´thal, epican´thic.
a fold of skin extending from the root of the nose to the medial termination of the eyebrow, overlapping the medial angle of the eye; its presence is normal in fetal life and in some Asians.
epicanthus/epi·can·thus/ (-kan´thus) a vertical fold of skin on either side of the nose, sometimes covering the inner canthus; a normal characteristic in persons of certain races, but anomalous in others.epican´thalepican´thic
n. pl. epican·thi (-thī, -thē)
See epicanthic fold.
Etymology: Gk, epi + kanthos, lip of a vessel
a vertical fold of skin over the angle of the inner canthus of the eye. It may be slight or marked, covering the canthus and the caruncle. It is a hereditary trait in Asian people and is of no clinical significance. Some infants with Down syndrome have marked epicanthal folds. Also called epicanthal fold, epicanthic fold. epicanthal, epicanthic, adj.
epicanthusA condition in which the margin of the upper eyelid curves round and downwards on the inner side so as to conceal the inner corner of the eye. Epicanthus is common in babies and may cause an illusory appearance of in-turning of the eye (convergent STRABISMUS).
A condition in which a fold of skin that stretches from the upper to the lower eyelid partially covers the inner canthus. It is normal in the fetus, in Down's syndrome and in many infants, especially of oriental origin, where it may give the impression of a convergent strabismus (pseudoesotropia). The condition is normally bilateral. As the bridge of the nose develops, the folds eventually disappear. Syn. epicanthal fold. See apparent strabismus.
a vertical fold of skin on either side of the nose.