A C6-C7 injury is likely to allow independent breathing.

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Multiple Choice

A C6-C7 injury is likely to allow independent breathing.

Breathing mostly depends on the diaphragm, which gets its nerve supply from the phrenic nerve arising mainly from C3–C5. An injury at C6–C7 is below those roots, so the diaphragm remains functional and can contract to drive breaths. That makes independent breathing likely, even though intercostal muscles and chest wall mechanics (innervated by thoracic nerves) may be weakened at this level, which can affect breathing efficiency and the ability to cough. So, at rest a person with a C6–C7 injury can typically breathe on their own, though they may have reduced ventilation efficiency and may need airway clearance support during exertion or illness.

Breathing mostly depends on the diaphragm, which gets its nerve supply from the phrenic nerve arising mainly from C3–C5. An injury at C6–C7 is below those roots, so the diaphragm remains functional and can contract to drive breaths. That makes independent breathing likely, even though intercostal muscles and chest wall mechanics (innervated by thoracic nerves) may be weakened at this level, which can affect breathing efficiency and the ability to cough. So, at rest a person with a C6–C7 injury can typically breathe on their own, though they may have reduced ventilation efficiency and may need airway clearance support during exertion or illness.

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