Which facial features are characteristic of fetal alcohol syndrome?

Which facial features are characteristic of fetal alcohol syndrome?

• A. Small head circumference with a smooth philtrum and small eye openings and thin upper lip
• B. Large head circumference
• C. Short philtrum with full lips
• D. Prominent jaw with large ears

Answer: (A)

Fetal alcohol syndrome typically produces growth deficiency with recognizable craniofacial features, including a small head (microcephaly), a smooth philtrum, small eye openings (short palpebral fissures), and a thin upper lip. This combination is classic and results from prenatal alcohol exposure affecting facial development. The other descriptions don’t fit: a large head contradicts microcephaly, a short philtrum with full lips misses the characteristic thin upper lip, and a prominent jaw with large ears isn’t the usual facial pattern seen in FAS.

Fetal alcohol syndrome typically produces growth deficiency with recognizable craniofacial features, including a small head (microcephaly), a smooth philtrum, small eye openings (short palpebral fissures), and a thin upper lip. This combination is classic and results from prenatal alcohol exposure affecting facial development. The other descriptions don’t fit: a large head contradicts microcephaly, a short philtrum with full lips misses the characteristic thin upper lip, and a prominent jaw with large ears isn’t the usual facial pattern seen in FAS.