Nervus Accessorius (Noun)
Meaning
Arises from two sets of roots (cranial and spinal) that unite to form the nerve.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The nervus accessorius, or accessory nerve, is unique in that it arises from two sets of roots that come together to form a single nerve.
- A branch of the vagus nerve, the nervus accessorius is actually made up of two distinct parts that converge to make a single nerve.
- Despite its singular name, the nervus accessorius arises from two separate sets of nerve roots, cranial and spinal, that combine to form the nerve proper.
- The nervus accessorius is notable for being the only cranial nerve that arises from both cranial and spinal nerve roots, ultimately uniting to form the nerve.
- In terms of anatomy, the nervus accessorius is unusual in that it has both a cranial root and a spinal root that unite to form the single nerve.