Where is the occipital artery located and how does it run?
The occipital artery arises from the posterior circumference of the external carotid artery, at the same level as a. facialis. Further, it:
- runs posteriorly along the posterior belly of the digastric muscle (m. digastricus);
- passes approximately midway between the external occipital protuberance and the mastoid process;
- pierces the trapezius muscle;
- branches superficially to the epicranius muscle (m. epicranius).
In topographic projection, the vessel runs in an upward direction beneath the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer and the occipital belly of m. occipitofrontalis, adjacent to the greater occipital nerve.
Branches of the occipital artery
- Sternocleidomastoid branches (rr. sternocleidomastoidei) — arise from the occipital artery itself or directly from the external carotid, run to the muscle of the same name and anastomose within its thickness with branches of the subclavian artery;
- Mastoid branch (r. mastoideus) — passes through foramen mastoideum to the dura mater;
- Auricular branch (r. auricularis) — to the posterior surface of the auricle;
- Occipital branches (rr. occipitales) — terminal branches to the skin and muscles of the occiput;
- Meningeal branch (r. meningeus) — enters the cranial cavity through foramen parietale.
Anastomoses and clinical significance
The occipital artery anastomoses with branches of the ophthalmic artery and the superficial temporal artery. The parietal branch of the superficial temporal artery anastomoses with the occipital artery.
Among the branches of the external carotid artery, the occipital artery is the most significant vessel within the anastomotic network between the external carotid and vertebral artery systems supplying the cervical and occipital muscles. This allows it to participate in blood flow compensation:
- during proximal occlusion of the vertebral artery — blood flow is compensated from the suboccipital branches of the occipital artery;
- during occlusion of the common carotid or proximal occlusion of the internal carotid artery — blood enters the carotid system via the occipital artery from the muscular branches of the vertebral artery.
Blood supply to adjacent structures
The occipital artery participates in supplying the digastric muscle along with a. submentalis. It is also one of the vessels in the posterior group of external carotid branches supplying the occiput and neck muscles; this group also includes a. auricularis posterior, which supplies the auricle and the mastoid region.
Class and exam questions
Which artery gives rise to the occipital artery?
From the posterior circumference of the external carotid artery, at the same level as the facial artery.
Which muscle is pierced by the occipital artery on its way to the occiput?
The occipital artery pierces the trapezius muscle and then branches superficially to the epicranius muscle (m. epicranius).
With which arteries does the occipital artery anastomose?
With branches of the ophthalmic artery and the superficial temporal artery; it also participates in collateral connections between the basins of the external carotid and vertebral arteries.
Which branches of the occipital artery supply the cranial meninges?
The mastoid branch (r. mastoideus) passes through foramen mastoideum to the dura mater, and the meningeal branch (r. meningeus) enters the cranial cavity through foramen parietale.
What else to study on this topic
- External carotid artery and its branches
- Vertebral artery
- Digastric muscle
- Superficial temporal artery
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