Suboccipital Triangle

Question 1

Describe the location of the suboccipital triangle.

Answer 1

Inferior to external occipital protuberance, in upper cervical region.

Question 2

What is the floor of the suboccipital triangle?

Answer 2

Posterior atlanto-occipital membrane

Question 3

What is the roof of the suboccipital triangle?

Answer 3

Semispinalis

Question 4

Describe the signifiance of the C2 spinous process.

Answer 4

Marks the inferior, medial angle of the suboccipital triangle

Question 5

Answer 5

Obliquus Capitis Inferior

Inferior border of triangle

Innervation:

• Suboccipital nerve

Question 6

Answer 6

Obliquus Capitis Superior

Lateral border of triangle

Innervation:

• Suboccipital n.

Question 7

Answer 7

Rectus Capitis Posterior Major

Medial border of triangle

Innervation:

• Suboccipital n.

Question 8

Answer 8

Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor

Not part of triangle

Innervation:

• Suboccipital n.

Question 9

Answer 9

Greater Occipital Nerve

Seen inferior/lateral of triangle, passing over triangle

• Posterior ramus of C2
• Sensory only
  
  • ​Sensation from scalp

Question 10

Answer 10

Suboccipital Nerve

Emerges in the suboccipital triangle

• Posterior ramus of C1
• Motor only
• Supplies suboccipital triangle mm.

Question 11

Vertebral Artery

Answer 11

• Deep within suboccipital triangle
• Travels through transverse foramina to triangle
  
  • Pierces floor of triangle (atlantooccipital membrane) to enter skull
• Supplies brain

Question 12

Occipital Artery

Answer 12

• Lateral to suboccipital triangle
• Supplies scalp
• Near greater occipital nerve

Question 13

Describe the clinical significance of the suboccipital triangle as discussed in class.

Answer 13

• There is connective tissue that connects the rectus capitis posterior minor and major to the dura mater
  
  • Suspected to cause migraines/tension headaches