Accessory nerve
Accessory Nerve
The Accessory Nerve (also known as the eleventh cranial nerve or CN XI) is a nerve in the human anatomy that has both a cranial and a spinal part. It supplies the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, which are responsible for many movements of the head and shoulders.
Structure[edit | edit source]
The accessory nerve is unique among the cranial nerves in that it is composed of a cranial and a spinal part. The cranial part, also known as the "accessory part of the accessory nerve," arises from neurons in the medulla oblongata. The spinal part arises from neurons in the upper part of the spinal cord.
Function[edit | edit source]
The accessory nerve provides motor innervation to the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles. The sternocleidomastoid muscle tilts and rotates the head, while the trapezius muscle has several actions on the scapula, including shoulder elevation, adduction, and upward rotation.
Clinical significance[edit | edit source]
Damage to the accessory nerve can result in a condition known as accessory nerve disorder, which can cause weakness in the shoulder and difficulty in lifting objects. It can also cause a drooping shoulder and difficulty turning the head.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen, Prab R. Tumpati, MD