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

First Known Use of accessory nerve

1682

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Medical Dictionary

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