Anatomy : Brain : Brainstem : Cranial Nerve Nuclei :
Accessory Nerve

  More Anatomy I cerebrum I cerebellum I brainstem I ventricles
subarachnoid spaces I arteries I veins I dura I cranial nerves I skull anatomy

The eleventh cranial nerve (known as the accessory nerve), originates in the medulla or the brainstem, as well as the upper to mid cervical spinal cord.  The spinal portion arises to enter the skull through the foramen magnum, and it joins with the cranial portion to exit the skull through the jugular foramen.  These nerves supply motor function to the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.