Occipital artery: Difference between revisions
(Created page with "== Occipital Artery == The '''occipital artery''' arises from the external carotid artery (ECA) and supplies various structures in the head and neck region. === Origin and Course === The occipital artery originates from the posterior surface of the external carotid artery. It runs upward between the digastric muscle and the internal jugular vein, and it may course superficial or deep to the longissimus capitis muscle depending on the presence or absence of the occipit...") |
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== Occipital Artery == | == Occipital Artery == | ||
The '''occipital artery''' arises from the external carotid artery (ECA) and supplies various structures in the head and neck region. | The '''occipital artery''' arises from the [[External Carotid Artery|external carotid artery]] (ECA) and supplies various structures in the head and neck region. | ||
=== Origin and Course === | === Origin and Course === | ||
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=== Related Conditions === | === Related Conditions === | ||
Complications associated with occipital artery procedures include subcutaneous seroma in relation to the pulse generator, occipital artery pseudoaneurysm, and spinal accessory neuropathy. | Complications associated with occipital artery procedures include subcutaneous seroma in relation to the pulse generator, occipital artery pseudoaneurysm, and spinal accessory neuropathy. | ||
[[Category:Neuroanatomy]] | |||
[[Category:Vascular anatomy]] | |||
Latest revision as of 06:09, 3 August 2024
Occipital Artery
The occipital artery arises from the external carotid artery (ECA) and supplies various structures in the head and neck region.
Origin and Course
The occipital artery originates from the posterior surface of the external carotid artery. It runs upward between the digastric muscle and the internal jugular vein, and it may course superficial or deep to the longissimus capitis muscle depending on the presence or absence of the occipital groove.
The artery passes posteriorly on the medial side of the digastric muscle's posterior belly, along the occipital groove on the medial side of the digastric groove. It travels obliquely upward between the digastric muscle's posterior belly and the internal jugular vein.
Branches
The occipital artery gives rise to several muscular and meningeal branches. Notably, it generates a meningeal branch that supplies the surrounding dura via the jugular foramen, and the stylomastoid artery. These branches also anastomose with other branches of the external carotid artery, including the ascending pharyngeal artery, and with branches of the vertebral artery.
Anastomoses
The occipital artery is accessible for anastomosis with the superficial temporal artery in the region of the angular gyrus. It can also be used for anastomosis in various regions, including where the greater occipital nerve and occipital artery reach subcutaneous tissues through the attachment of the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles to the superior nuchal line.
Clinical Significance
Identification of the individual muscles is important for exposing and preserving the occipital artery in bypass procedures. The artery's compression points include sites where the nerve intersects with the occipital artery.
A meningeal branch, if present, penetrates the cranium through the mastoid emissary foramen. The scalp, with its rich anastomoses, is the main distal territory of the occipital artery, allowing for safe ligation of the artery during a retrosigmoid approach.
Related Conditions
Complications associated with occipital artery procedures include subcutaneous seroma in relation to the pulse generator, occipital artery pseudoaneurysm, and spinal accessory neuropathy.