Lesser occipital nerve

Lesser Occipital Nerve

The Lesser Occipital Nerve or Small Occipital Nerve is a peripheral nerve that arises from the Cervical Plexus, specifically from the second and third cervical spinal nerves (C2 and C3). It is primarily responsible for the innervation of the skin in the lateral and posterior areas of the scalp.

Etymology

The term "occipital" originates from the Latin "occiput" which means "back of the skull". The prefix "lesser" is used to differentiate this nerve from the Greater Occipital Nerve, which is a larger and more superiorly located nerve.

Anatomy

The Lesser Occipital Nerve ascends along the posterior border of the Sternocleidomastoid muscle, then crosses the occipital artery and continues superiorly to the scalp. It provides sensory innervation to the skin over the lateral part of the occipital bone and to the posterior part of the auricle.

Clinical Significance

The Lesser Occipital Nerve can be involved in a variety of medical conditions. It can be affected in Occipital Neuralgia, a neurological condition characterized by severe pain in the upper neck, back of the head and behind the ears. It can also be implicated in Cervicogenic Headache, a secondary headache caused by a disorder of the cervical spine and its component bony, disc and/or soft tissue elements.

Related Terms

• Cervical Plexus
• Greater Occipital Nerve
• Occipital Neuralgia
• Cervicogenic Headache

See Also

• Nervous System
• Peripheral Nerve
• Cervical Spine

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