Occipital crest

Occipital Crest is a prominent anatomical feature located on the human skull. It is also known as the external occipital crest or inion and is part of the occipital bone.

Anatomy

The occipital crest is a ridge that extends downward from the external occipital protuberance on the back of the skull. It serves as an attachment point for several muscles, including the trapezius muscle and the sternocleidomastoid muscle. These muscles are involved in movements of the head and neck.

The occipital crest is more pronounced in males than in females, which is a characteristic often used in forensic anthropology to determine the sex of skeletal remains.

Clinical Significance

Due to its location and the muscles attached to it, the occipital crest can be involved in various medical conditions. For example, tension in the muscles attached to the occipital crest can lead to tension headaches. In addition, fractures of the occipital bone can involve the occipital crest and may lead to serious complications, such as brain injury.

See Also

• Occipital bone
• Human skull
• Forensic anthropology
• Tension headache