what is trisomy 21

Trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of a third copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material can cause a variety of physical and developmental issues, including characteristic facial features, intellectual disability, and an increased risk of certain medical conditions such as heart defects and respiratory problems. Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder, occurring in approximately 1 in every 700 births.