Deep Descending Branch of Occipital Artery (Right)

Origin

The deep descending branch of the occipital artery arises from the descending branch of the occipital artery as it passes over the obliquus capitis superior muscle (Dorland, 2011).

Course

The deep descending branch of the occipital artery enters the suboccipital triangle and runs deep to the semispinalis capitis muscle.

Branches

There are no named branches, however, the deep descending branch of the occipital artery anastomosis with the vertebral artery and the deep cervical artery. This anastomosis forms a collateral circulation after ligation of the common carotid or subclavian arteries (Gray & Lewis, 1918).

Supplied Structures

The deep descending branch of the occipital artery helps supply the semispinalis capitis and cervicis muscles and the muscles of the suboccipital triangle.

References

Dorland, W. (2011) Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 32nd edn. Philadelphia, USA: Elsevier Saunders.

Gray, H. & Lewis, W. H. (1918) Anatomy of the Human Body. Lea & Febiger.