Suboccipital Triangle

Question 1

The apex of the posterior triangle of the neck is formed by the ——— border of the ——— and the ——— border of the ———

Answer 1

The apex of the posterior triangle of the neck is formed by the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid and the anterior border of the trapezius

Question 2

Under the trapezius is the semispinalis capitis which is attached to the skull between the ——— and ———

Answer 2

Under the trapezius is the semispinalis capitis which is attached to the skull between the superior and inferior nuchal lines.

Question 3

Under the trapezius is the ———— which is attached to the skull between the superior and inferior nuchal lines.

Answer 3

semispinalis capitalis

Question 4

The occipital artery emerges from under cover of the ——— and breaks into branches to supply the ————.

Answer 4

The occipital artery emerges from under cover of the splenius capitis and breaks into branches to supply the back of scalp.

Question 5

nerves emerge through the semispinalis capitis and supply the skin of scalp:

Answer 5

2 nerves emerge through the semispinalis capitis and supply the skin of scalp:
1) The greater occipital nerve (dorsal primary ramus of C2)
2) The third occipital nerve (dorsal primary ramus of C3).

Question 6

The suboccipital triangle is deep to C—

Answer 6

C3

Question 7

BONY LANDMARKS:
 The ——— and ——— lines on the —— bone.
which cervical bone
 The spine of the ——.

Answer 7

BONY LANDMARKS:
 The superior and inferior nuchal lines on the occipital bone.
 C1 (atlas) has a posterior tubercle (It has no spine to allow for head
extension in looking up), and long transverse processes (for use as levers in
rotation of the head and C1 on the dens).
 The spine of the axis.

Question 8

Muscles and origin/insertion :

Answer 8

:
 Rectus capitis posterior (RCP) major attaches from the spine of the axis to below the inferior nuchal line, lateral to RCP minor.
 RCP minor attaches from the posterior tubercle of the Atlas to below the inferior nuchal line, bilaterally.
 Obliquus superior attaches from the transverse process of the Atlas to the area between the nuchal lines lateral to semispinalis.
 Obliquus inferior attaches from the spine of the Axis to the transverse process of the Atlas.

Question 9

vertebral artery
 runs through the ——- foramina of the upper how many cervical vertebrae.
 emerges onto the upper surface of the ——, passes posteriorly, closely
related to the ——— to reach a deep groove on the superior aspect of the ——— of the atlas

 passes into the foramen —— to meet with the opposite vertebral artery and to form the ——— artery.
*If the vertebral artery is affected by atheroma (also called———), movements of head and neck may affect movement of blood through it and cause faintness or unconsciousness.

Answer 9

vertebral artery
 runs through the transverse foramina of the upper 6 cervical vertebrae.
 emerges onto the upper surface of the Atlas, passes posteriorly, closely
related to the articular facet to reach a deep groove on the superior aspect of the posterior arch of the atlas

 passes into the foramen magnum to meet with the opposite vertebral artery and to form the basilar artery.
*If the vertebral artery is affected by atheroma (atherosclerosis), movements of head and neck may affect movement of blood through it and cause faintness or unconsciousness.

Question 10

C1 nerve
 emerges from the ———
 lies in the groove between artery and bone.
 the dorsal primary ramus (named the ———— nerve) enters the
suboccipital triangle and innervates the muscles.
 the ventral primary ramus runs forward, lateral to the superior articular facet
and joins the ——— nerve (cranial nerve —).

C2 emerges between the —— and the —— and travels superiorly over the
——— triangle to form the ——— nerve.

C3 emerges between —— and —— vertebra.

Answer 10

C1 nerve
 emerges from the spinal cord
 lies in the groove between artery and bone.
 the dorsal primary ramus (named the suboccipital nerve) enters the
suboccipital triangle and innervates the muscles.
 the ventral primary ramus runs forward, lateral to the superior articular facet
and joins the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII).
C2 emerges between the Atlas and the Axis and travels superiorly over the
suboccipital triangle to form the greater occipital nerve. C3 emerges between axis and C3 vertebra.