Beginner Accessory Nerve Quiz

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This quiz contains 10 questions. Click below to begin.

Q1. Which cranial nerve number corresponds to the accessory nerve?

  • CN X
  • CN IX
  • CN XII
  • CN XI

Q2. Which two major muscles receive motor innervation from the spinal accessory nerve?

  • Stylohyoid and digastric
  • Mylohyoid and geniohyoid
  • Masseter and temporalis
  • Sternocleidomastoid and trapezius

Q3. Where is the spinal accessory nucleus located?

  • Thoracic spinal cord
  • Upper cervical spinal cord
  • Midbrain
  • Pons

Q4. Through which opening do the spinal rootlets of the accessory nerve enter the cranial cavity?

  • Carotid canal
  • Foramen magnum
  • Internal acoustic meatus
  • Foramen ovale

Q5. Through which foramen does the accessory nerve leave the cranial cavity?

  • Hypoglossal canal
  • Foramen rotundum
  • Stylomastoid foramen
  • Jugular foramen

Q6. What is a major action of sternocleidomastoid when acting unilaterally?

  • Protrusion of the tongue
  • Rotation of the face toward the same side only
  • Rotation of the face toward the opposite side
  • Elevation of the mandible

Q7. What is a major action of the upper fibers of trapezius?

  • Protraction of the tongue
  • Depression of the mandible
  • Elevation and upward rotation of the scapula
  • Adduction of the eye

Q8. Which movement is commonly weakened by an accessory nerve lesion affecting trapezius?

  • Tongue protrusion
  • Shoulder shrug
  • Jaw closure
  • Eyelid closure

Q9. Which movement is tested to assess sternocleidomastoid function?

  • Head rotation against resistance
  • Tongue elevation
  • Pupillary constriction
  • Jaw opening only

Q10. Which statement best describes the spinal accessory nerve?

  • It is a sensory nerve from the face
  • It carries taste from the posterior tongue
  • It supplies the muscles of mastication
  • It is a motor nerve to sternocleidomastoid and trapezius
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