What nerves innervate the skin on the back of the neck?

The skin is innervated by the medial branches of the dorsal rami from spinal nerves C2, C3, and C4. Key cutaneous nerves include the greater occipital nerve (C2) for the posterior scalp, the third occipital nerve (C3) for the nape, and smaller branches from C4 and C5 for lower areas.

What is the ligamentum nuchae and what is its function?

The ligamentum nuchae is a triangular fibroelastic septum that separates muscles on each side of the posterior neck. In humans, it is relatively weak and less elastic, serving as a homolog of the more developed structure in quadrupeds that helps support the head.

What structures are found in the superficial fascia of the back of the neck?

The superficial fascia contains cutaneous nerves and vessels. Key structures include nerves like the greater occipital, third occipital, and C4–C5 cutaneous branches, and vessels such as the occipital artery and branches from the vertebral artery.

What is the nuchal fascia and where does it attach?

The nuchal fascia is the deep fascia that encloses posterior neck muscles. It attaches medially to cervical spinous processes, supraspinous ligaments, and ligamentum nuchae, and laterally as sheaths around the muscles.

How does the greater occipital nerve course and what does it supply?

The greater occipital nerve, the thickest cutaneous nerve, pierces the deep fascia about 2.5 cm lateral to the external occipital protuberance. It supplies the skin of the posterior scalp up to the vertex.

What are the borders of the ligamentum nuchae?

The ligamentum nuchae has three main borders: superior at the external occipital crest, anterior at the posterior tubercle of atlas and spinous processes of C2–C7, and posterior (free) from external occipital protuberance to C7 spine.

Posterior Neck – Skin, Fascia, Veins & Cutaneous Nerves