accessory nerve

noun

Definition of accessory nerve

: either of a pair of motor nerves that are the 11th cranial nerves of higher vertebrates, arise from the medulla oblongata and the upper part of the spinal cord, and supply chiefly the pharynx and muscles of the upper chest, back, and shoulders

Learn More About accessory nerve

Dictionary Entries Near accessory nerve

accessory gland

accessory nerve

accessory pigment

Statistics for accessory nerve

Cite this Entry

“Accessory nerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accessory%20nerve. Accessed 19 Jan. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for accessory nerve

accessory nerve

noun

Medical Definition of accessory nerve

: either of a pair of motor nerves that are the 11th cranial nerves, arise from the medulla and the upper part of the spinal cord, and supply chiefly the pharynx and muscles of the upper chest, back, and shoulders

— called also accessorius, accessory, spinal accessory nerve