accessory nerve
US /əkˈsesəri nɜːrv/
UK /əkˈsesəri nɜːrv/
1.
the eleventh cranial nerve, which supplies the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.
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Damage to the accessory nerve can lead to weakness in the shoulder and neck.
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The surgeon was careful to avoid the accessory nerve during the procedure.