In anatomy, denoting certain muscles, nerves, glands, etc. that are auxiliary or supernumerary to some similar, generally more important thing. SYN: accessorius. [L. accessorius, fr. ac-cedo, pp. -cessus, to move toward]
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ac·ces·so·ry ik-'ses-(ə-)rē, ak- adj
1) aiding, contributing, or associated in a secondary way: as
a) being or functioning as a vitamin <\accessory food substances>
b) associated in position or function with something (as an organ or lesion) usu. of more importance <the testis and \accessory male ducts and glands (B. T. Scheer)>
2) SUPERNUMERARY <\accessory spleens>
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ac·ces·so·ry (ak-sesґə-re) [L. accessorius] supplementary or affording aid to another similar and generally more important thing; complementary; concomitant.Medical dictionary. 2011.