Suboccipital Region

Question 1

Describe the distribution of the suboccipital nerve

Answer 1

Muscles of the suboccipital region

Question 2

Describe the distribution of the greater occipital nerve

Answer 2

Skin over the neck and occipital bone

Question 3

Describe the distribution of the lesser occipital nerve

Answer 3

Skin of the superior posterolateral neck and scalp posterior to the external ear

Question 4

Describe the distribution of the posterior rami of the nerves C3-C7

Answer 4

Intrinsic muscles of the back and overlying skin

Question 5

Name the 5 superficial and intermediate intrinsic muscles of the suboccipital region

Answer 5

1. Trapezius
2. SCM
3. Levatore Scapulae
4. Splenius capitis
5. Splenius cervicis

Question 6

Describe the attachment sites of the splenius capitis muscle

Answer 6

Ligamentum nuchae and the spinous processes of C7-T3 to the occipital bone (superior to the nuchal line) and mastoid process

Question 7

Describe the attachment sites of the splenius cervicis

Answer 7

Spinous processes of T3-T6 to the transverse processes of C1-C2

Question 8

What is the innervation of the splenius capitis and cervicis muscles

Answer 8

Posterior rami of C1-C6

Question 9

What are the actions of the splenius capitis and cervicis muscles

Answer 9

Bilateral = extend neck and head
Unilateral = flexes and rotates neck and head to the same side

Question 10

What muscles of the suboccipital region lie directly underneath the intermediate muscles

Answer 10

1. Semispinalis capitis

2. Longissimus cervicis

Question 11

Describe the attachment sites of the semispinalis capitis muscle

Answer 11

Transverse processes of C4-T7 to the occipital bone (between the nuchal lines)

Question 12

What are the actions of the semispinalis capitis muscle

Answer 12

Both = extend the cervical spine
One = flex head to the same side and rotate head to the opposite side

Question 13

Describe the attachment sites of the longissimus cervicis muscle

Answer 13

Transverse processes of C4-T3 to the mastoid process

Question 14

What are the actions of the longissimus cervicis muscle

Answer 14

Both = extend the head
One = flex and rotate head to the same side

Question 15

How many suboccipital muscles are there

Answer 15

4

Question 16

Name the suboccipital muscles

Answer 16

1. Rectus capitis posterior major
2. Rectus capitis posterior minor
3. Obliquus capitis superior
4. Obliquus capitis inferior

Question 17

Describe the attachment sites of the rectus capitis posterior major

Answer 17

C2 spinous process to the inferior nuchal line

Question 18

Describe the attachment sites of the rectus capitis posterior minor

Answer 18

C1 posterior tubercle to the inferior nuchal line

Question 19

Describe the actions of the rectus capitis posterior major and minor

Answer 19

Both = extend the head
One = rotate head to the same side

Question 20

What nerve innervates the rectus capitis posterior major and minor

Answer 20

Suboccipital nerve (posterior rami C1)

Question 21

Describe the attachment sites of the obliquus capitis superior

Answer 21

C1 transverse process to the occipital bone (above the inferior nuchal line)

Question 22

Describe the actions of the obliquus capitis superior

Answer 22

Both = extend the head
One = flex (same side) and rotate (opposite side) head

Question 23

Describe the attachment sites of the obliquus capitis inferior

Answer 23

C2 spinous process to the C1 transverse process

Question 24

Describe the actions of the obliquus capitis inferior

Answer 24

Both = extend the head
One = rotate the head to the same side

Question 25

What nerve innervates the obliquus capitis superior and inferior

Answer 25

Suboccpital nerve (posterior rami C1)

Question 26

What artery does the occipital artery branch from

Answer 26

External carotid

Question 27

What artery does the vertebral artery branch from

Answer 27

Subclavian; arises through the transverse foramen of the cervical vertebrae

Question 28

How do the vertebral arteries reach the brain

Answer 28

Cross the superior surface of C1 and enter the foramen magnum

Question 29

What does the union of the vertebral arteries form

Answer 29

The basilar artery which joins the Circle of Willis to supply the brain

Question 30

Describe the pathway of blood through the occipital vein

Answer 30

Occipital vein > deep cervical vein > vertebral vein > brachiocephalic vein

Question 31

How is the vertebral vein formed

Answer 31

Several small veins of the internal vertebral plexus unite and head through the transverse foramen of the atlas

Question 32

Where does the vertebral vein terminate

Answer 32

At the C6 vein where it leaves the transverse foramen to join the brachiocephalic vein

Question 33

What type of joint exists between the atlas and the occipital bone

Answer 33

Condyloid synovial joint

Question 34

What action happens at the atlanto-occipital joint

Answer 34

Nodding (yes) movement

Question 35

What type of joint exists between the atlas and axis

Answer 35

Synovial pivot joint

Question 36

What action happens at the atlanto-axial joint

Answer 36

Shaking head (no)

Question 37

What ligaments are crucial in the stability of the atlas and the occipital bone

Answer 37

1. Alar ligament | 2. Cruciate ligament

Question 38

What bony projection on the axis allows for the formation of a pivot joint

Answer 38

The articulation of Dens