CUTIS LAXA

disorder, either inherited or acquired, in which the skin hangs in loose folds. The defect lies in the skin's elastic connective tissue, of which the protein elastin is the principal component. There are several forms of the disorder, which are separable into inherited and acquired varieties. In the inherited variety there may be a characteristically hooked nose, with nostrils opening outward, and a long upper lip. Included among the complications are diverticula (abnormal pouches or pockets in the walls) of the gastrointestinal tract and bladder, hernias of the diaphragm or the abdominal wall, and rectal and vaginal prolapse (falling from a normal position).