Which term refers to paralysis of the lower half of the body?

Which term refers to paralysis of the lower half of the body?

• A. Monoplegia
• B. Paraplegia
• C. Diplegia
• D. Triplegia

Answer: (B)

The term that refers to paralysis of the lower half of the body is paraplegia. This condition specifically involves impairment or loss of motor and sensory function in the lower limbs, typically resulting from damage to the spinal cord or specific nerves. It often arises from traumatic injuries or diseases affecting the spinal cord, such as multiple sclerosis or spina bifida. In contrast, monoplegia involves paralysis that affects only one limb, diplegia refers to paralysis affecting similar parts on both sides of the body (most commonly seen in the legs), and triplegia indicates paralysis of three limbs. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in fields such as rehabilitation therapy, where the goals might differ depending on the type and extent of paralysis experienced by an individual.

The term that refers to paralysis of the lower half of the body is paraplegia. This condition specifically involves impairment or loss of motor and sensory function in the lower limbs, typically resulting from damage to the spinal cord or specific nerves. It often arises from traumatic injuries or diseases affecting the spinal cord, such as multiple sclerosis or spina bifida.

In contrast, monoplegia involves paralysis that affects only one limb, diplegia refers to paralysis affecting similar parts on both sides of the body (most commonly seen in the legs), and triplegia indicates paralysis of three limbs. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in fields such as rehabilitation therapy, where the goals might differ depending on the type and extent of paralysis experienced by an individual.