Greater Occipital Nerve

Description

The greater occipital nerve is seen superiorly and left of midline

Nerves of the Posterior Head and Neck Region

The anatomy of the occipital triangle, the greater occipital nerve and lesser occipital nerve, occipital artery (and veins), and lymph nodes can be accessed in an area between the proximal edge of the trapezius medially, the nuchal line proximally, and the sternocleidomastoid muscle laterally

Name

• Greater Occipital Nerve
• Nervus occipitalis major
• Arnold's nerve
• Posterior Ramus of C2 (sensory branch reference)
• Greater Occipital Sensory Nerve
• C2 Occipital Nerve
• Medial Branch of the Dorsal Ramus of C2

General

• Largest of the occipital nerves, arises from dorsal ramus of C2
• Mixed motor and sensory nerve

Anatomic Course

• Arises between the first and second cervical vertebrae
• Passes through through semispinalis muscle
• Further ascends to supply the skin of the posterior scalp

Sensory Innervation

• Cutaneous branch innervates the skin of the posterior scalp up to the coronal suture
• Communicating branch may anastomose with lesser occipital nerve, third occipital nerve

Motor Innervation

• Semispinalis Capitis
• May contribute fibers to Trapezius

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Clinical Significance

Pathology

• Occipital Neuralgia
• Cervicogenic Headache

Procedural

• Occipital Nerve Block

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See Also

• Neck Pain Main
• Nerve Anatomy Main

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