Lesser Occipital Nerve

Description

Posterior head and upper cervical anatomy is rendered with the lesser occipital nerve (C2, sometimes with C3 contribution) arising from the cervical plexus and coursing superiorly along the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid. From its emergence near the midpoint of that border (Erb point), the nerve ascends toward the mastoid region, running superficial to the deep cervical fascia as it approaches the postauricular scalp. A shaded cutaneous field sits posterior and superior to the auricle, lateral to the midline occipital region innervated by the greater occipital nerve. Trapezius and the upper posterior cervical musculature provide the muscular backdrop, with adjacent superficial vessels tracking in parallel. Clinical work around the posterolateral neck often hinges on this nerve’s predictable path along sternocleidomastoid. It is a common target in occipital nerve blocks for cervicogenic headache and occipital neuralgia, and it can be irritated by entrapment where it pierces the investing fascia or by scarring from mastoid or upper neck incisions. Small nerve. Big symptoms. The posterior view makes the distinction between lesser occipital and greater occipital sensory territories easy to teach, which helps when mapping pain patterns, paresthesia, or postprocedural numbness around the auricle. Use this artwork in gross anatomy and neuroanatomy teaching to reinforce cervical plexus branches, surface landmarks, and dermatomal versus peripheral nerve sensory maps, and in anesthesia or pain medicine materials illustrating landmark-guided injection near the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid. It also fits otologic and head and neck surgery references that discuss postauricular approaches and postoperative sensory changes. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.