Occipital branches of occipital artery

Blood vessel

General Information
Latin	Rami occipitales arteriae occipitalis
Greek
TA98
TA2
FMA
Details
System
Artery
Vein
Nerve
Lymphatic drainage
Precursor
Function
Identifiers
Clinical significance
Notes

The occipital branches of the occipital artery are small arterial branches that arise from the occipital artery, which is a branch of the external carotid artery. These branches play a crucial role in supplying blood to the posterior aspect of the scalp and the occipital region of the skull.

Anatomy

The occipital artery originates from the external carotid artery, opposite the facial artery, and ascends posteriorly towards the occipital region. As it travels, it gives off several branches, including the occipital branches, which are responsible for vascularizing the scalp and the occipital bone.

Course

The occipital branches emerge as the occipital artery travels posteriorly, passing beneath the sternocleidomastoid muscle. These branches then ascend to supply the posterior scalp, running superficially over the occipital bone.

Distribution

The occipital branches primarily supply the skin and muscles of the posterior scalp. They also contribute to the vascularization of the occipital bone and anastomose with branches from the posterior auricular artery and the superficial temporal artery.

Function

The primary function of the occipital branches is to provide oxygenated blood to the scalp and the occipital region. This blood supply is essential for maintaining the health of the scalp tissues and supporting the metabolic needs of the occipital bone.

Clinical Significance

The occipital branches of the occipital artery are often involved in surgical procedures and diagnostic imaging of the head and neck. They may be implicated in conditions such as scalp lacerations or occipital neuralgia, where the nerve supply in the region is affected, potentially causing pain.

In some cases, the occipital artery and its branches may be used in reconstructive surgery, such as in the creation of flaps for scalp reconstruction.

Also see

• Occipital artery
• External carotid artery
• Scalp
• Occipital bone
• Posterior auricular artery