Accessory Nerve 209

2. Why are the right sternomastoid and left trapezius muscles controlled by
the same side of the cortex?
When the left upper limb limb muscles (including trapezius) are being used to manipulate
an object, the head is turned to the left side to see what is happening. It is the right sternomastoid
muscle that turns the head to the left. However, it is the left trapezius muscle that elevates the
shoulder. Therefore, the right cortex controls all the muscles necessary to perform these actions.

Right cortex Right LMNs to ipsilateral Chin elevates and head turns to left
sternomastoid muscle
Right cortex Left LMNs to contralateral
trapezius muscle Left shoulder elevates