Skip to main content

Unfortunately we don't fully support your browser. If you have the option to, please upgrade to a newer version or use Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari 14 or newer. If you are unable to, and need support, please send us your feedback.

Elsevier
Publish with us
Third Occipital Nerve
Nervous System

Third Occipital Nerve

Nervus occipitalis tertius

Read more

Quick Facts

Origin: Posterior ramus of third cervical nerve.

Course: Curves around C2—C3 zygapophyseal joint as it heads towards the spinous process to pierce the overlying muscles and reach the scalp.

Branches: Posterior cutaneous branch.

Supply: Motor innervation to multifidus and semispinalis capitis muscles. Sensory innervation to the scalp below superior nuchal line and to the C2-C3 zygapophyseal joint.

Complete Anatomy
The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform
Try it for Free

Origin

The third occipital nerve (or the medial branch of the posterior ramus of the third cervical nerve) arises from the posterior ramus of the third cervical nerve. It is one of two branches, the other being the lateral branch.

Course

The third occipital nerve curves around the C2—C3 zygapophyseal joint as it heads towards the spinous process and pierces the overlying muscles to reach the skin.

Branches

The third occipital nerve gives rise to a posterior cutaneous branch.

Supplied Structures

The third occipital nerve provides motor innervation to the multifidus and semispinalis capitis muscles.

Somatic afferent neurons within the posterior cutaneous branch of the third occipital nerve provide sensory innervation to the skin below the superior nuchal line.

Complete Anatomy

The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform

Complete Anatomy