Quadriplegia is defined as which of the following?

• A. Paralysis of all four limbs and torso muscles
• B. Paralysis of three limbs
• C. Paralysis of all four limbs
• D. Loss of sensation in all limbs

Answer: (C)

Quadriplegia refers to loss of motor function in all four limbs due to damage to the nervous system, typically a cervical spinal cord injury. The defining feature is paralysis of the four limbs, not just one side or three limbs. It’s a motor deficit, so loss of sensation in the limbs is not what defines it. The option that mentions paralysis of all four limbs matches the core idea, while including the torso muscles is not the standard definition used here. The idea of paralysis in three limbs is inconsistent with quadriplegia, and the option describing loss of sensation points to sensory loss rather than motor paralysis.