Why is it that, like in action movies, when you break someone’s neck they die? Isn’t it just like breaking your arm? I know there’s your medula there, but why does it kill you?

Question

Why is it that, like in action movies, when you break someone’s neck they die? Isn’t it just like breaking your arm? I know there’s your medula there, but why does it kill you?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Depending on how the break occurs, a spinal cord injury can paralyze your lungs. Even if this doesn’t happen, most neck breaking grips also allow pressure on the windpipe and carotid arteries. Enough pressure on either is fatal.