spinal accessory nerve (CN XI)

Introduction

Somatic motor function.

Efferents

CN 11 innervates:

• sternocleidomastoid
• trapezius

Course

• the nucleus for CN 11 actually lies in the spinal cord
• the nerve exits laterally, travels superiorly through the foramen magnum, touches the vagus & exits via the jugular foramen

More general terms

• cranial nerve

Additional terms

• accessory nucleus
• jugular foramen
• sternocleidomastoid
• trapezius (cowl muscle)