Where is the suboccipital region located?

It lies beneath the semispinalis capitis muscle at the apex of the posterior triangle of the neck. Its boundaries include the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone superiorly, the spine and laminae of the axis inferiorly, and the mastoid process and transverse processes of atlas and axis laterally.

What muscles are found in the suboccipital region?

The suboccipital muscles are four deep, short muscles: Rectus capitis posterior major and minor (extend the head), Obliquus capitis inferior (rotates the head to the same side), and Obliquus capitis superior (rotates and extends the head). All are innervated by the dorsal ramus of C1 (suboccipital nerve).

What is the suboccipital triangle and what does it contain?

The suboccipital triangle is a triangular muscular space deep in the region. Its boundaries are formed by Rectus capitis posterior major (superomedial), Obliquus capitis superior (superolateral), and Obliquus capitis inferior (inferior). It contains the suboccipital nerve (C1), third part of the vertebral artery, greater occipital nerve, and suboccipital venous plexus.

What is the clinical significance of the suboccipital region?

This region is clinically important for cisternal puncture (an alternative to lumbar puncture), risk of infection spread via the suboccipital venous plexus, and vertebral artery compromise from atherosclerosis or neck movements, which can cause cerebral ischemia.

What nerves and vessels are found in the suboccipital region?

Key structures include the suboccipital nerve (C1) which innervates all suboccipital muscles, the vertebral artery (3rd part) which loops behind the atlas to enter the vertebral canal, the greater occipital nerve (C2) which supplies scalp sensation, the suboccipital venous plexus for venous drainage, and the occipital artery which supplies branches and forms anastomoses.

How is the suboccipital region used in neurosurgery?

Neurosurgeons access the posterior cranial fossa through this region. The anatomical landmarks and structures, such as the vertebral artery and suboccipital triangle, provide a surgical pathway to the brainstem and cerebellum.

Suboccipital Region – Triangle & Vertebral Artery