Medical genetics mnemonic

Common autosomal trisomies and their chromosome numbers

The mnemonic

Patau 13, Edwards 18, Down 21

What each word stands for

  • Patau 13Trisomy 13: cleft lip and palate, holoprosencephaly, polydactyly
  • Edwards 18Trisomy 18: rocker-bottom feet, clenched fists with overlapping fingers
  • Down 21Trisomy 21: hypotonia, flat facies, single palmar crease, endocardial cushion defect

Why it matters clinically

Guides interpretation of antenatal screening and karyotype results.

Where it stops being reliable

Matches number to name only; the findings and screening markers need separate recall.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Medical genetics mnemonic?

Patau 13, Edwards 18, Down 21. It helps you recall: Common autosomal trisomies and their chromosome numbers.

What does "Patau 13" stand for?

Trisomy 13: cleft lip and palate, holoprosencephaly, polydactyly

What does "Edwards 18" stand for?

Trisomy 18: rocker-bottom feet, clenched fists with overlapping fingers

What does "Down 21" stand for?

Trisomy 21: hypotonia, flat facies, single palmar crease, endocardial cushion defect

What are all the parts of the Patau 13, Edwards 18, Down 21 mnemonic?

Patau 13: Trisomy 13: cleft lip and palate, holoprosencephaly, polydactyly; Edwards 18: Trisomy 18: rocker-bottom feet, clenched fists with overlapping fingers; Down 21: Trisomy 21: hypotonia, flat facies, single palmar crease, endocardial cushion defect.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Medical genetics in Anatomy.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Matches number to name only; the findings and screening markers need separate recall.

How is this useful clinically?

Guides interpretation of antenatal screening and karyotype results.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Anatomy question about Medical genetics.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.