Which action is most closely associated with the C6 nerve root?

Which action is most closely associated with the C6 nerve root?

• A. Elbow extension
• B. Shoulder abduction
• C. Wrist extension
• D. Finger abduction

Answer: (C)

Wrist extension is the action most closely aligned with the C6 nerve root because the wrist extensor muscles (like extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis) are primarily innervated by C6 via the radial nerve. Shoulder abduction mainly involves C5 (deltoid), elbow extension is largely C7 (triceps), and finger abduction is mainly C8–T1 (interossei). So the wrist extending best reflects C6 function. Clinically, testing wrist extension helps assess C6 integrity, and weakness here can indicate C6 radiculopathy.

Wrist extension is the action most closely aligned with the C6 nerve root because the wrist extensor muscles (like extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis) are primarily innervated by C6 via the radial nerve. Shoulder abduction mainly involves C5 (deltoid), elbow extension is largely C7 (triceps), and finger abduction is mainly C8–T1 (interossei). So the wrist extending best reflects C6 function. Clinically, testing wrist extension helps assess C6 integrity, and weakness here can indicate C6 radiculopathy.