Lesser occipital nerve

Diagram of the cervical plexus, showing the lesser occipital nerve.

The lesser occipital nerve is a cutaneous nerve of the cervical plexus. It arises from the second cervical nerve (C2), sometimes with a contribution from the third cervical nerve (C3). This nerve is responsible for providing sensory innervation to the skin of the scalp in the lateral area of the head posterior to the ear.

Anatomy

The lesser occipital nerve emerges from the cervical plexus, which is formed by the anterior rami of the first four cervical nerves (C1-C4). Specifically, the lesser occipital nerve originates from the second cervical nerve, and it may receive fibers from the third cervical nerve as well.

Pathway

After its origin, the lesser occipital nerve ascends along the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It travels superiorly and posteriorly towards the scalp. As it ascends, it runs parallel to the greater auricular nerve, which is another branch of the cervical plexus.

Distribution

The lesser occipital nerve supplies the skin of the scalp in the region posterior and superior to the ear. It provides sensation to the lateral part of the occipital region of the head.

Clinical Significance

The lesser occipital nerve can be involved in certain clinical conditions, such as occipital neuralgia. This condition is characterized by pain in the distribution of the occipital nerves, including the lesser occipital nerve. It can result from irritation or injury to the nerve.

In some surgical procedures involving the neck or the posterior scalp, care must be taken to avoid damaging the lesser occipital nerve to prevent sensory loss or neuropathic pain in its distribution area.

Related Pages

• Cervical plexus
• Greater auricular nerve
• Occipital neuralgia
• Sternocleidomastoid muscle