Sternocleidomastoid branches of occipital artery

Sternocleidomastoid branches of occipital artery are small branches of the occipital artery that supply the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The term "sternocleidomastoid" is derived from the Greek words "sternon" (breastbone), "kleidos" (clavicle), and "mastoides" (resembling a breast), which describe the points of muscle attachment. The term "occipital artery" refers to the artery that supplies the posterior scalp and sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Anatomy

The occipital artery arises from the external carotid artery opposite the facial artery. Its path is somewhat curved, as it passes upward and backward to the interval between the mastoid process and the lateral mass of the atlas, where it divides into a larger size, the posterior auricular artery, and a smaller, the sternocleidomastoid branch.

The sternocleidomastoid branches of the occipital artery are small and supply the sternocleidomastoid muscle. They may arise from the occipital artery or from the carotid artery directly.

Clinical significance

Knowledge of the sternocleidomastoid branches of the occipital artery is important in surgical procedures involving the neck, as damage to these arteries can result in significant bleeding. Additionally, these arteries can be involved in conditions such as carotid artery dissection and stroke.

See also

• Occipital artery
• Sternocleidomastoid muscle
• External carotid artery
• Carotid artery dissection

Sternocleidomastoid branches of occipital artery

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