Greater occipital nerve

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on 14.01.2025

Synonyms: Großer Hinterhauptnerv

The greater occipital nerve is a peripheral nerve, which arises from the second spinal nerve. It traverses the trapezius muscle and extends to the occipital region.

Innervation

The greater occipital nerve supplies motor innervation in the neck area to the semispinalis muscle, the longissimus muscle and the splenius muscle. Sensory innervation by the nerve covers the skin of the occipital region.

Clinical Relevance

In a surgical stabilization of the atlas, injury to the greater occipital nerve can occur during the preparation of the atlas arc or while placing the screws.
In paramedian suboccipital approaches, such as a supracerebellar infratentorial approach, the greater occipital nerve may be injured.

Illustration

Greater occipital nerve — Schematic illustration of the greater occipital nerve. Illustration adapted from Grays Anatomy.

Greater occipital nerve

Schematic illustration of the greater occipital nerve. Illustration adapted from Grays Anatomy.
Greater occipital nerve

Intraoperative visualization of the greater occipital nerve during a paramedian supracerebellar infratentorial approach. Figure adapted from Rhomberg, Thomas, and Henry WS Schroeder. Microsurgical Resection of a Pineal Cyst via a Paramedian Supracerebellar Infratentorial Approach. World Neurosurgery 185 (2024): 113.