An epicanthal fold, epicanthic fold or epicanthus is a skin fold of the upper eyelid (from the nose to the inner side of the eyebrow) covering the inner corner (medial canthus) of the eye. This fold covers and appears to lower the inner corners of the eyes, creating the appearance of "slanted eyes."
The presence of epicanthal folds is normal in people of many, though not all, groups of East Asian and Southeast Asian descent, although a few have opted to have them minimized by Asian blepharoplasty. Epicanthal folds may also be seen in young children of any race before the bridge of the nose begins to elevate.
Epicanthal folds are also common in people with Down syndrome and is the origin of the (once neutral, now considered offensive) term "mongoloid."
Persons of mixed East Asian and Caucasian parentage have varying degrees of the epicanthal fold and will appear more Caucasian or more East Asian as a result. It can also found in significant numbers amongst Native Americans, Khoisan (Bushmen of South Africa), many Central Asians, and Lapps.
See also Human physical appearance.
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