Neuroanatomy, Suboccipital Nerve

Excerpt

The suboccipital nerve, also known as the dorsal ramus of the 1st cervical nerve, arises from the C1 posterior ramus (see Image. Nerves of the Posterior Head and Neck Region). This nerve lies within the suboccipital triangle, a region at the neck's superoposterior aspect. Thus, the suboccipital nerve is intimately related to the craniocervical junction and important structures in this area.

The suboccipital nerve innervates the suboccipital muscles, which play an important role in cervicogenic neck pain and headaches. Novel headache pharmacological treatments thus target this nerve. Additionally, Surgical procedures involving the craniocervical junction and occipital area can injure the suboccipital nerve. Understanding the anatomic relationships of this important structure is essential to managing various head and neck conditions.