Suboccipitale

Suboccipitale refers to the suboccipital region of the neck, a small area at the posterior base of the skull between the occipital bone and the first cervical vertebra (atlas). It is defined in part by the suboccipital muscles, a group of four short muscles that connect the occipital bone to the first two cervical vertebrae and help control head posture.

The four suboccipital muscles are the rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, superior oblique, and inferior oblique. These muscles originate from the posterior elements of the atlas or occiput and insert on the occipital bone or the axis. They primarily function to extend the head, with contributing roles in rotation and lateral bending. They also provide important proprioceptive feedback for head position.

A key anatomical landmark in this region is the suboccipital triangle, formed by the rectus capitis posterior major medially, the superior oblique laterally, and the inferior oblique inferiorly. The floor is the posterior arch of the atlas and the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane. The contents of the triangle typically include the vertebral artery and the suboccipital nerve (dorsal ramus of C1), sometimes accompanied by venous structures.

Innervation is supplied by the suboccipital nerve, which is motor to the suboccipital muscles. Sensory innervation to the occipital region is largely via the greater occipital nerve (dorsal ramus of C2). Clinically, the suboccipital region is relevant for nerve blocks, suboccipital neuralgia, and headaches of cervical origin.