Final answer:
Whiplash can injure muscles, ligaments, tendons, discs, nerves, and vertebrae, with the anterior longitudinal ligament being particularly susceptible to injury resulting from hyperextension during such events.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whiplash is a type of injury that can affect several structures in the neck due to the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, often resulting from rear-end auto collisions. The six structures that can be injured in whiplash include muscles, ligaments, tendons, discs, nerves, and vertebrae.
The anterior longitudinal ligament, for example, is one such structure that could be injured when it is stretched or torn due to extreme posterior bending of the neck, which can occur during a whiplash event. Additionally, spinal cord injuries can be a serious concern, as they may lead to conditions such as paralysis or hemiplegia, depending on the extent and location of the injury.