BACK OF THE NECK: SUB OCCIPITAL TRIANGLE

BACK OF THE NECK: SUB OCCIPITAL TRIANGLE

Description of the Back of the Neck

The back of the neck is the posterior aspect of the neck, bounded by the occipital bone, the atlas (C1), and the axis (C2). It is a region of transition from the cranial cavity to the spinal canal.

Boundaries of the Occipital Triangle

• Base: The occipital bone
• Apex: The superior nuchal line of the occipital bone
• Sides: The posterior aspect of the sternocleidomastoid muscle

Contents of the Occipital Triangle

• Superficial layer: Occipital artery and vein, greater occipital nerve
• Deep layer: Occipital artery and vein, lesser occipital nerve, suboccipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major and minor, obliquus capitis superior and inferior)

Suboccipital Triangle

• Base: The superior nuchal line of the occipital bone
• Apex: The posterior tubercle of the atlas (C1)
• Sides: The posterior aspect of the rectus capitis posterior major and minor muscles

Contents of the Suboccipital Triangle

• Superficial layer: Occipital artery and vein
• Deep layer: Suboccipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major and minor, obliquus capitis superior and inferior), vertebral artery and vein

Key Points

• The occipital triangle and suboccipital triangle are two adjacent triangles in the back of the neck, separated by the suboccipital muscles.
• The occipital triangle is bounded by the occipital bone, sternocleidomastoid muscle, and superior nuchal line of the occipital bone.
• The suboccipital triangle is bounded by the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone, posterior tubercle of the atlas (C1), and the posterior aspect of the rectus capitis posterior major and minor muscles.
• The occipital triangle contains the occipital artery and vein, greater occipital nerve, and suboccipital muscles.
• The suboccipital triangle contains the occipital artery and vein, suboccipital muscles, vertebral artery and vein.