Quick Facts
Origin: Anterior ramus of second cervical nerve (C2).
Course: Ascends along the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle and pierces the deep fascia to reach the skin behind the auricle.
Branches: None.
Supply: Posterior auricular skin.
Origin
The lesser occipital nerve arises from the anterior ramus of the second cervical nerve (sometimes also receiving a contribution from anterior ramus of the third cervical nerve).
Course
The lesser occipital nerve winds around the spinal accessory nerve and then ascends along the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle. The nerve pierces the deep fascia at the level of the cranium to reach the scalp behind the auricle.
Branches
There are no named branches.
Supplied Structures
The lesser occipital nerve provides cutaneous innervation to the posterior surface of the auricle and the adjacent portion of the scalp.
List of Clinical Correlates
—Cervicogenic headache
