Greater occipital nerve

The Greater Occipital Nerve is a spinal nerve that arises from between the second and third vertebrae of the neck. It is a branch of the posterior ramus of spinal nerve C2, also known as the second cervical nerve or simply C2.

Etymology

The term "occipital" comes from the Latin "occiput" which means "back of the skull". The term "nerve" comes from the Latin "nervus" meaning "sinew, tendon, nerve".

Anatomy

The Greater Occipital Nerve ascends, passing through the muscles at the back of the neck, namely the semispinalis capitis and the trapezius. It innervates the skin along its path, providing sensation to the back of the head up to the vertex.

Clinical Significance

The Greater Occipital Nerve can be involved in certain medical conditions. For instance, it can be affected in Occipital Neuralgia, a neurological condition characterized by severe pain in the areas connected to the nerve. It can also be implicated in certain types of headaches, including some forms of migraines.

Related Terms

• Lesser Occipital Nerve: Another nerve that arises from the cervical plexus and provides sensation to the upper neck and scalp.
• Occipital Artery: An artery that runs near the Greater Occipital Nerve and supplies blood to the back of the scalp.
• Occipital Bone: The bone at the back of the skull, near where the Greater Occipital Nerve is located.

See Also

• Nervous System
• Cervical Vertebrae
• Spinal Nerves

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  Gray's Anatomy illustration of the greater occipital nerve