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Occipital Artery

arteria occipitalis

The occipital artery is the primary blood supply to the posterior scalp and upper posterior neck muscles, anastomosing extensively with the superficial temporal artery anteriorly and the vertebral artery posteriorly. Its reliable pedicle emerging from below the posterior neck is used for occipital artery flaps in scalp and posterior neck reconstruction. Greater occipital nerve block injections are performed near the occipital artery emergence point.

Region: Head & Skull

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Posterior surface of the external carotid artery

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The greater occipital nerve emerges through the posterior neck fascia approximately 2 cm lateral to the external occipital protuberance alongside the occipital artery. Injections at this point combine local anaesthetic for nerve block with avoidance of the accompanying artery. Temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis) can affect the occipital artery, producing occipital scalp tenderness and temporal scalp pain alongside the more classic temporal artery involvement.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Occipital Neuralgia from Artery Inflammation

Occipital artery inflammation in giant cell arteritis producing posterior scalp pain and tenderness that may accompany temporal artery symptoms.