What is the effect of an injury at the level between C5 and C6?

An injury at the level between C5 and C6 indicates a spinal cord injury that affects the cervical region. This level of injury typically results in a condition known as tetraplegia or quadriplegia, which involves the loss of function in the arms, hands, trunk, and legs. The cervical spine controls motor function and sensation for the upper extremities and the trunk, and when the injury occurs at or above C6, it impacts the neuro pathways responsible for these areas.

At the C5 level, individuals may retain some ability to move their arms and shoulders but will experience weakness and reduced control. As the injury progresses to the C6 level, even more functions become impaired. Therefore, individuals with a spinal cord injury at this level often have profound limitations in controlling and moving their upper extremities and trunk, leading to paralysis not only in the arms but also in the legs and trunk. This comprehensive loss of motor function is characteristic of a C5-C6 injury, contributing to the classification as resulting in paralysis of the legs, trunk, hands, and wrists.

This understanding clarifies why the selected option accurately describes the consequences of an injury at this level in the spinal cord.