Lesser Occipital Nerve

Description

Cutaneous innervation of the head and neck

Posterior view of the lesser occipital nerve

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

• Lesser Occipital Nerve
• Small occipital nerve
• Occipitalis minor

General

• Cutaneous branch of the cervical plexus
• Arises from the second spinal nerve
• Innervates skin of the back of the upper neck, scalp posterior to the ear

Anatomic Course

• Arises from the ventral rami of C2
• Curves around the spinal accessory nerve (XI)
• Ascends along the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle
• More superiorly, it pierces the deep cervical fascia
• It divides into medial and lateral segments behind the auricle

Branches

• Auricular: supplies the skin of the upper/ back part of the external ear
• Mastoid:
• Occipital:

Sensory Innervation

• Sensory innervation to the upper part of the back of the neck, scalp posterior to ear
• May contribute to sensation of the ear itself

Motor Innervation

• None

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Clinical Significance

• Occipital Neuralgia
• Cervicogenic Headache
• Cervical Nerve Block

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See Also

• Nerve Anatomy Main
• Neck Anatomy Main
• Physical Exam Neck

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