Quadriplegia is characterized by paralysis below which part of the body?

Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, is a form of paralysis that affects all four limbs, as well as the torso and often parts of the body below the neck. This type of paralysis results from damage to the spinal cord in the cervical region (the neck area). When the spinal cord is injured in this area, it disrupts the brain's ability to communicate with the body below the point of injury, leading to loss of movement and sensation.

The terminology distinguishes quadriplegia from paraplegia, which involves paralysis that typically affects the lower half of the body—specifically, the legs and sometimes the lower torso, but not the arms. In terms of levels of paralysis, any injury that occurs at or above the neck leading to quadriplegia will manifest symptoms that can extend down the body, highlighting the significant impact such an injury can have on daily functioning and independence. Thus, the correct choice accurately reflects the severity and implications of quadriplegia, focusing on the paralysis that occurs below the neck.