Occipital artery

A crucial vessel supplying blood to the posterior region of the head.

The occipital artery is a branch of the external carotid artery that provides oxygenated blood to the posterior scalp and muscles at the back of the head. It is vital for maintaining proper blood flow to these areas, supporting both surface structures and deeper anatomical components.

Terminologia Anatomica

arteria occipitalis

System

Circulatory system

Function

The primary function of the occipital artery is to supply blood to the posterior scalp, which is essential for delivering nutrients and oxygen to the skin and hair follicles in this region. Furthermore, it plays a key role in supplying blood to the muscles at the posterior neck, which are crucial for head movement and posture. By contributing to the vascular network that nourishes these structures, the occipital artery helps maintain healthy function and appearance in the scalp and surrounding tissues. Any compromise in the blood flow through the occipital artery could lead to issues like hair loss or tension headaches, illustrating its importance in both aesthetic and physiological contexts.

Location

The occipital artery originates from the external carotid artery, typically at the level of the upper border of the mandible or slightly higher. It travels posteriorly and slightly superiorly, emerging from the tissue near the skull base. As it courses toward the occiput, or back of the head, it runs beneath the sternocleidomastoid muscle and ascends into the scalp. The artery bifurcates into multiple branches that supply blood to the occipital region, ensuring adequate perfusion to the skin and muscles at the back of the neck and head.

Did You Know?

The occipital artery can vary in size and sometimes even in its origin from the external carotid artery.
In some individuals, the occipital artery may connect with branches of the vertebral or deep cervical arteries, forming an anastomosis that provides collateral circulation.
Pain originating from the occipital artery can be a cause of occipital neuralgia, a condition characterized by sharp, shooting pains in the back of the head.