noun
a nerve that supplies the muscles of the neck and shoulders and that arises by two sets of roots, one from the medulla and the other from the spinal cord
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The accessory nerve is responsible for controlling certain muscles in the neck and shoulders.
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I think I strained my accessory nerve from carrying that heavy backpack all day.
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My accessory nerve is acting up again, causing me so much pain.
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Her ability to adapt to new situations is like having a strong accessory nerve in her personality.