Greater occipital nerve

From WikiMD.com - Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

  • 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[edit | edit source]

WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP1 injections from $125

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program NYC and a clinic to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our W8MD's physician supervised medical weight loss centers in NYC provides expert medical guidance, and offers telemedicine options for convenience.

Why choose W8MD?

Book Your Appointment

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss, and Philadelphia medical weight loss Call (718)946-5500 for NY and 215 676 2334 for PA

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's NYC physician weight loss.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available. Call 718 946 5500.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD