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Occipitalis

musculus occipitalis

The occipitalis is the posterior belly of the occipitofrontalis muscle, pulling the scalp posteriorly. With frontalis, it moves the galea as a unit. The greater occipital nerve pierces the trapezius and semispinalis below the occipitalis.

Nerve: Facial nerve — posterior auricular branch (VII) Blood Supply: Posterior auricular and occipital arteries Region: Head & Skull

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Highest nuchal line of the occipital bone
Insertion	Galea aponeurotica — blending with frontalis anteriorly
Nerve Supply	Facial nerve — posterior auricular branch (VII)
Blood Supply	Posterior auricular and occipital arteries

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Actions	Retracts the scalp posteriorly; Works with frontalis to move the scalp as a whole

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The occipitalis is addressed in occipital neuralgia — the greater occipital nerve passes through the occipitalis attachment zone and can be compressed here. Occipital scalp reduction procedures must account for the occipitalis. Botulinum injection of the occipitalis reduces tension headache arising from the posterior scalp.

Palpation

Palpated at the posterior skull base during scalp retraction.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Occipitalis Tension in Occipital Neuralgia

Occipitalis muscle tension contributing to greater occipital nerve compression at the skull base, managed by botulinum injection or occipital nerve decompression surgery.