accessory nerve

American  

noun

Anatomy.

1. either one of the eleventh pair of cranial nerves, consisting of motor fibers from the spinal cord that innervate the pharyngeal, trapezius, and sternocleidomastoid muscles, and motor fibers from the brain that join the vagus to innervate the thoracic and abdominal viscera.

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accessory nerve British  

noun

1. either one of the eleventh pair of cranial nerves, which supply the muscles of the head, shoulders, larynx, and pharynx and the viscera of the abdomen and thorax

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Etymology

Origin of accessory nerve

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Movement of the head and neck using the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles is controlled by the accessory nerve.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The spinal accessory nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles of the neck, along with cervical spinal nerves.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Figure 16.11 Muscles Controlled by the Accessory Nerve The accessory nerve innervates the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, both of which attach to the head and to the trunk and shoulders.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Calling the nerve the spinal accessory nerve suggests that it is aiding the spinal nerves.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Bernard was the first to succeed in following the spinal accessory nerve back to the jugular foramen, seizing it here with a strong pair of forceps and drawing it out by the roots.

From Vivisection by Leffingwell, Albert