Occipitofrontalis, Posterior View

Description

Posteriorly, the occipital belly of the occipitofrontalis (epicranius) occupies the superficial occipital scalp, arising from the lateral two thirds of the superior nuchal line and adjacent mastoid region of the temporal bone. Its fibers run superiorly and anteriorly to blend with the epicranial aponeurosis (galea aponeurotica), which spans across the calvaria toward the frontal belly. Deep to the muscle, the occipital bone forms the bony contour of the back of the skull, while inferiorly the upper cervical vertebrae align in the midline beneath the nuchal soft tissues. Functionally, this view highlights the posterior anchor for scalp movement, where occipitalis tensions the galea and counterbalances frontalis to elevate the eyebrows and retract the scalp. It also matches the corridor used in posterior scalp and occipital approaches, where the greater occipital nerve (C2) and occipital artery traverse superiorly near the superior nuchal line, a relationship that matters in occipital neuralgia, scalp lacerations, and planning occipital nerve blocks. Clear orientation at the nuchal line helps you teach where superficial dissection should stay subgaleal to limit bleeding from emissary and scalp vessels. Use this plate for head and neck anatomy teaching in gross anatomy, neurology modules on headache syndromes, and surgical education covering posterior scalp incisions, flap elevation, and closure planes. It also fits medical publishing needs when illustrating the galea, occipitofrontalis action, or posterior cranial surface landmarks in a male subject. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.