Characters remaining: 500/500
Translation

spinal accessory

Academic
Friendly

The term "spinal accessory" refers to a specific type of nerve in the human body. This nerve helps control certain muscles in the neck and shoulders, allowing us to move our head and lift our shoulders. Let’s break down the term and explore it further.

Explanation
  • "Spinal" comes from the word "spine," which is the column of bones in your back. It relates to the spinal cord, which is part of the nervous system.
  • "Accessory" means something that adds help or support. In this case, it refers to an extra nerve that assists other nerves.
Usage Instructions
  • The term "spinal accessory" is mainly used in medical contexts. You would typically encounter it when studying anatomy or discussing issues related to the nervous system.
Example
  • "The spinal accessory nerve is important for shrugging your shoulders and turning your head."
Advanced Usage
  • In more advanced discussions, you might hear about the "spinal accessory nerve" in relation to conditions affecting neck movement or in surgical procedures where this nerve might be involved.
Word Variants
  • Spinal accessory nerve: This is the full term often used in medical literature.
  • Cranial nerves: These are nerves that emerge directly from the brain, and the spinal accessory is considered one of these.
Different Meanings

While "spinal accessory" primarily refers to the nerve, the words "spinal" and "accessory" can have other meanings in different contexts: - Spinal: Can relate to anything associated with the spine or backbone. - Accessory: Can mean additional items or features, such as accessories for clothing (like belts or jewelry).

Synonyms
  • Cranial nerve XI: This is another name for the spinal accessory nerve in anatomy.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "spinal accessory," as it is a technical term. However, you might encounter phrases like "to shoulder a burden," which metaphorically relates to the function of the spinal accessory nerve in lifting and moving.

Noun
  1. arises from two sets of roots (cranial and spinal) that unite to form the nerve

Comments and discussion on the word "spinal accessory"