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Lower Sternocleidomastoid Branch of Occipital Artery (Right)
Cardiovascular System

Lower Sternocleidomastoid Branch of Occipital Artery (Right)

Ramus sternocleidomastoideus inferior arteriae occipitalis

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Quick Facts

Origin: Occipital artery.

Course: Descend posteriorly to enter the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Branches: None.

Supplied Structures: Sternocleidomastoid muscle.

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Origin

The lower sternocleidomastoid branch of the occipital artery arises from the occipital artery.

Course

There are two sternocleidomastoid branches that arise from the occipital artery, the upper and lower sternocleidomastoid branches.

The lower sternocleidomastoid branch arises near the origin of the occipital artery from the posterior aspect of the external carotid artery. The lower sternocleidomastoid branch descends posteriorly, traversing the hypoglossal nerve and internal jugular vein and enters the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Branches

There are no named branches. The lower sternocleidomastoid branch of the occipital artery forms an anastomosis with the sternocleidomastoid branch of superior thyroid artery.

Supplied Structures

The sternocleidomastoid branches of the occipital artery help supply the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

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Artery

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Arteries are vessels transporting blood between heart, tissues, and other organs in order to supply them with nutrition and oxygen.

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