Final answer:
Quadriplegia involves paralysis of all four extremities and is often a result of spinal cord injuries. Paraplegia affects the lower part of the body while sparing arm and hand function. The extent of paralysis depends on the location and severity of the spinal cord injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
Quadriplegia refers to the paralysis of all four extremities: the arms, hands, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs. This kind of paralysis is typically the result of spinal cord injuries that can be caused by events like car accidents, sports injuries, or diving accidents. In contrast, paraplegia affects all or part of the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs, but the individual retains the use of their arms and hands.
A hemisection of the spinal cord may result in hemiplegia, where one leg is paralyzed, with more complex sensory outcomes. Additionally, lesions on the lower motor neurons (LMN) can lead to flaccid paralysis, which includes a complete or partial loss of muscle tone. In summary, spinal cord injuries and their severities determine the type and extent of paralysis an individual may experience.