NERVUS ACCESSORIUS Meaning and
Definition
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The nervus accessorius, also referred to as the accessory nerve, is a cranial nerve that originates from the brainstem, specifically the medulla oblongata and the upper segments of the spinal cord. It is the eleventh pair of cranial nerves and is responsible for controlling certain muscles involved in head, neck, and shoulder movement.
The nervus accessorius is divided into two main branches – the cranial and the spinal portion. The cranial portion arises from the medulla oblongata and travels through the jugular foramen, where it gives branches to the soft palate, pharynx, and larynx muscles, contributing to their motor function in speech and swallowing. The spinal portion, arising from the upper spinal cord segments, joins the cranial portion in the jugular foramen and descends towards the neck. It then innervates the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, aiding in various movements such as head rotation and shoulder elevation.
Injury or dysfunction of the nervus accessorius can result in several clinical manifestations, including weakness or paralysis of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, leading to difficulties in head and shoulder movements. This condition is commonly observed following trauma, surgery, or lesions affecting the nerve. Diagnosis and treatment often involve a thorough neurological examination, including testing muscle strength, range of motion, and conducting imaging studies to identify any underlying causes.
In summary, the nervus accessorius is a cranial nerve responsible for controlling muscles involved in head, neck, and shoulder movements. Its functions are divided into the cranial and spinal portions, making it an essential component of the motor system in the human body.
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Accessory nerve, spinal accessory nerve, 11th cranial nerve, arises from the medulla and from the spinal cord as far down as the level of the fifth cervical nerve, and emerges from the side of the medulla and the cord in two parts, accessory and spinal; the former joins the vagus in the jugular foramen supplying the cardio-inhibitory and the visceromotor fibers of that nerve; the spinal portion passes down the neck and supplies the sternomastoid and trapezius muscles.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NERVUS ACCESSORIUS
- bervus accessorius
- mervus accessorius
- jervus accessorius
- hervus accessorius
- nwrvus accessorius
- nsrvus accessorius
- ndrvus accessorius
- nrrvus accessorius
- n4rvus accessorius
- n3rvus accessorius
- neevus accessorius
- nedvus accessorius
- nefvus accessorius
- netvus accessorius
- ne5vus accessorius
- ne4vus accessorius
- nercus accessorius
- nerbus accessorius
- nergus accessorius
Etymology of NERVUS ACCESSORIUS
The word "nervus accessorius" has its etymology rooted in Latin. Here is a breakdown of each component:
1. "Nervus": It comes from the Latin word "nervus", which means "sinew" or "nerve".
2. "Accessorius": This word also comes from Latin and is derived from "accessus", which means "a coming near" or "approach". The suffix "-orius" indicates possession or belonging.
Combining the two, "nervus accessorius" can be understood to mean "the accessory nerve" or "the nerve that accompanies or aids another nerve". This term is used in anatomy to refer to the eleventh cranial nerve, which is responsible for controlling muscles involved in head and neck movements.
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