If an athlete is experiencing impairment of the arms and trunk, which region of the spinal cord is likely injured?

An athlete experiencing impairment of the arms and trunk is most likely dealing with an injury to the cervical segments of the spinal cord (C1-C8). This area of the spinal cord is responsible for innervating the upper extremities (arms) as well as controlling trunk stabilization and function. Injuries in the cervical region can lead to varying degrees of paralysis or weakness in the arms, shoulders, and upper body, depending on the specific level of injury.

The cervical spinal cord is where the nerves that control arm and upper trunk movement originate. When this region is compromised, it affects the neural pathways responsible for motor control and sensory information from the arms and upper trunk.

In contrast, the thoracic segments mainly control the trunk and some aspects of the arms but would not typically account for arm impairment. The lumbar segments primarily govern the legs and lower body functions, while the sacral segments are connected to functions of the bowel and bladder as well as some lower limb innervation. Thus, these areas would not typically lead to impairment of the arms and trunk in the same way that an injury to the cervical segments would.