suboccipital and neck regions

what is the suboccipital triangle

triangular space deep in the posterior neck at the base of the skull where cervicogenic headaches originate

superior medial border of the suboccipital triangle

rectus capitis posterior major

superior lateral border of the suboccipital triangle

obliquus capitis superior

inferior lateral border of the suboccipital triangle

obliquus capitis inferior

floor of suboccipital triangle

antalo-occipital membrane

posterior arch of C1

roof of suboccipital triangle

semispinalis capitis

origin of rectus capitis posterior major

C2 spinous process

insertion of rectus capitis posterior major

lateral aspect of the inferior nuchal line

innervation of rectus capitis posterior major

suboccipital nerve C1

origin of obliquus capitis superior

transverse processes of C1

insertion of obliquus capitis superior

between nuchal lines (bottom half)

innervation of obliquus capitis superior

suboccipital nerve (C1 root)

origin of obliquus capitis inferior

C2 spinous processes

insertion of obliquus capitis inferior

transverse processes of C1

innervation of obliquus capitits inferior

suboccipital nerve (C1 nerve root)

contents of suboccipital triangle

1. vertebral artery

2. suboccipital nerve

origin of semispinalis capitis

transverse process and articulate process of C4-T7

insertion of semispinalis capitis

between nuchal lines (upper portion)

innervation if semispinalis capitis

dorsal rami

suboccipital nerve (dorsal rami of C1 spinal nerve)

MOTOR ONLY

sprouts and innervates muscles

greater occipital nerve (dorsal ramus of C2)

SENSORY ONLY

responsible for most cervicogenic headaches

occipital nerve (dorsal ramus of C3)

mixes- both motor and sensory

origin of rectus capitis posterior minor

posterior tubercle of C1

insertion of rectus capitis posterior minor

inferior medial nuchal line

innervation if rectus capitis posterior minor

suboccipital nerve (root C1)