Third occipital nerve

Third Occipital Nerve

The Third Occipital Nerve is a nervous structure that is part of the human anatomy. It is a superficial branch of the dorsal primary ramus of the third cervical nerve (C3).

Etymology

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

The Third Occipital Nerve is a small nerve that arises from the dorsal primary ramus of the third cervical nerve. It ascends between the semispinalis capitis and multifidus muscles, and pierces the trapezius and skin to supply the posterior part of the scalp as far back as the highest nuchal line.

Function

The Third Occipital Nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin along the midline of the neck and scalp up to the vertex. It also gives off a great occipital nerve and a third occipital nerve, which supply the skin of the upper and lower parts of the back of the head, respectively.

Clinical Significance

The Third Occipital Nerve is often involved in occipital neuralgia, a condition characterized by severe pain in the back of the head and neck. This condition can be caused by irritation or injury to the nerve.

Related Terms

• Dorsal primary ramus
• Cervical spinal nerve 3
• Semispinalis capitis
• Multifidus muscles
• Trapezius
• Nuchal line
• Occipital neuralgia

See Also

• Nervous system
• Human anatomy
• Occipital nerve

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