The greater occipital nerve is a nerve of the head. It is a spinal nerve, specifically the medial branch of the dorsal primary ramus of cervical spinal nerve 2. It arises from between the first and second cervical vertebrae, ascends, and then passes through the semispinalis muscle. It ascends further to supply the skin along the posterior part of the scalp to the vertex. It supplies sensation to the scalp at the top of the head, over the ear and over the parotid glands.

Structure

The greater occipital nerve is the medial branch of the dorsal primary ramus of cervical spinal nerve 2. It may also involve fibres from cervical spinal nerve 3.

Function

The greater occipital nerve supplies sensation to the scalp at the top of the head, over the ear and over the parotid glands.

Clinical significance

Problems with the greater occipital nerve may be a cause of cervicogenic headaches. These may be treated with a temporary nerve block.

Notes

Additional images

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Gray784.png|Dermatome distribution of the trigeminal nerve

Gray790.png|The nerves of the scalp, face, and side of neck.

Lateral head anatomy detail.png|Lateral head anatomy detail

</gallery>

  • Image at theberries.ns.ca
  • http://www.dartmouth.edu/~humananatomy/figures/chapter_47/47-2.HTM
  • http://www.dartmouth.edu/~humananatomy/figures/chapter_47/47-6.HTM