Partial cord transection is characterized by which statement?

Partial cord transection is characterized by which statement?

• A. The cord isn't completely severed; some sensory-motor function may be retained
• B. There is complete loss of all function below injury
• C. No impairment remains below the injury
• D. Only cognitive changes occur

Answer: (A)

Partial cord transection means the spinal cord is not completely severed—some neural pathways remain intact. Because those pathways are spared, there can be preservation of sensory and motor function below the level of injury. That’s why the statement that some sensory-motor function may be retained best describes a partial, or incomplete, spinal cord injury. In contrast, a complete transection would cause a complete loss of function below the injury, while “no impairment below the injury” isn’t consistent with any cord injury, and cognitive changes point to brain involvement rather than the spinal cord. In incomplete injuries, the pattern of deficits varies because different tracts are affected or spared, but the defining idea is that some function persists below the level of injury.

Partial cord transection means the spinal cord is not completely severed—some neural pathways remain intact. Because those pathways are spared, there can be preservation of sensory and motor function below the level of injury. That’s why the statement that some sensory-motor function may be retained best describes a partial, or incomplete, spinal cord injury. In contrast, a complete transection would cause a complete loss of function below the injury, while “no impairment below the injury” isn’t consistent with any cord injury, and cognitive changes point to brain involvement rather than the spinal cord. In incomplete injuries, the pattern of deficits varies because different tracts are affected or spared, but the defining idea is that some function persists below the level of injury.