Final answer:
Transverse spinal cord injury at the level of the cervical intumescence is typically characterized by peripheral paralysis of the arms and disorders of urination and defecation. This is due to the functional connection and control of the cervical spinal cord over the limbs and autonomic functions. The severity of paralysis varies depending on the exact level and completeness of the injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a transverse spinal cord injury occurs at the level of the cervical intumescence, it can result in various types of paralysis and complications. The cervical intumescence is a segment where there is a bulging of the spinal cord that corresponds to the nerves that supply the upper limbs. This kind of injury can lead to:
- Peripheral paralysis of the arms, because the motor neurons that supply the muscles of the arms are directly affected.
- Disorders of urination and defecation (retention), as the spinal cord segments at this level play a role in autonomic control of these functions.
It's important to distinguish between a complete transverse injury and other types of spinal cord damage, such as a hemisection, which affects only one half of the cord and leads to hemiplegia -- paralysis on one side of the body -- and can result in complex sensory outcomes. However, with a transverse injury, the effects are typically more global and symmetrical.