Mandibular prognathism

Mandibular prognathism is a disfiguring, genetic disorder where the lower jaw outgrows the upper.

Related Topics:
Genetic - Jaw

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The condition is colloquially referred to as Habsburg jaw, Habsburg lip or Austrian lip (see Habsburg) due to its prevalence in that bloodline. The trait is easily traceable in portraits of Habsburg family members. This has provided tools for people interested in studying genetics and pedigree analysis.

Related Topics:
Habsburg - Bloodline - Genetics - Pedigree

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It is alleged to have been derived through a female from the princely Polish family of Piasts, its Masovian branch. However this may be, we have at least good evidence that the remark is of old date. It is perhaps first observed in Maximilian I (1459-1519).

Related Topics:
Polish - Piast - Masovia - Maximilian I

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Traits such as these that were common to royal families are believed to have been passed on and exaggerated through inbreeding. Due to the large amount of politically motivated intermarriage between Habsburgs, the dynasty was virtually unparalleled in the degree of its inbreeding. Charles II of Spain is said to have had the most pronounced case of the Habsburg jaw on record (his jaw was so deformed that he was unable to chew).

Related Topics:
Inbreeding - Charles II of Spain

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The opposite would be overbite.

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