Paraplegia is paralysis of which part of the body?

• A. Paralysis of the lower half of the body
• B. Paralysis of the upper half of the body
• C. Paralysis of all four limbs
• D. Paralysis of the trunk

Answer: (A)

Paraplegia refers to loss of motor function in both legs, due to damage to the spinal cord below the cervical level. The arms are spared because the neural pathways to the upper limbs are above that injury. If the damage were in the cervical spine, both arms and legs could be paralyzed—that’s called quadriplegia. Trunk involvement can occur with certain injuries, but the defining feature of paraplegia is paralysis of the lower half of the body.