Systems medicine

Suboccipital Triangle

The Suboccipital Triangle is a region of the human body found in the neck. It is a significant anatomical feature due to its relationship with various muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.

Anatomy

The Suboccipital Triangle is bordered by three muscles: the Rectus capitis posterior major, the Obliquus capitis superior, and the Obliquus capitis inferior. These muscles are part of the suboccipital group of muscles that contribute to movements of the head at the atlanto-occipital joint.

The floor of the Suboccipital Triangle is formed by the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane and the posterior arch of the atlas.

Contents

The Suboccipital Triangle contains the vertebral artery and the suboccipital nerve. The vertebral artery supplies blood to the posterior part of the brain, while the suboccipital nerve provides sensory and motor innervation to the muscles in the suboccipital region.

Clinical significance

Due to its location and the vital structures it contains, the Suboccipital Triangle is of clinical importance. Conditions such as vertebral artery syndrome and occipital neuralgia can be related to this region.

See also

• Suboccipital muscles
• Vertebral artery
• Suboccipital nerve

External links

• Suboccipital Triangle at WikiMD