The correct spelling of the term "nervus occipitalis major" is influenced by its pronunciation in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as nɜːrvəs ɒkˈsɪpɪtəlɪs ˈmeɪdʒər. The term refers to a major nerve in the occipital region of the head that innervates the scalp. The word "nervus" comes from the Latin word "nervus" meaning nerve, "occipitalis" derives from "occiput" which means back of the head, and "major" indicating its size or importance. The IPA provides a standardized way to transcribe and pronounce words, making it easier to learn and communicate using different languages.
The nervus occipitalis major is a major branch of the greater occipital nerve (GON) located in the human body. The term "nervus occipitalis major" is derived from Latin, where "nervus" means nerve, "occipitalis" refers to the occipital region of the head, and "major" signifies its significant role and size compared to other branches. It primarily innervates the posterior scalp, specifically the area overlying the occipital bone, which is situated at the back of the skull.
The nervus occipitalis major originates from the dorsal ramus of the second cervical spinal nerve (C2). It emerges from the suboccipital triangle, a triangular area formed between the inferior oblique muscle, the rectus capitis posterior major muscle, and the superior oblique muscle, all of which are located at the base of the skull. From here, it ascends superiorly towards the occipital region, where it divides into multiple branches supplying innervation to the skin and subcutaneous tissues.
The primary function of the nervus occipitalis major is sensory conduction. It carries sensory information, including pain, touch, and temperature, from the posterior scalp to the brain. It plays a crucial role in providing sensation to the scalp, and any disruption or pathology affecting this nerve can lead to conditions such as occipital neuralgia, causing severe headaches or pain in the occipital region.
Larger occipital nerve, medial branch of the posterior primary division of the second cervical nerve, sends branches to the semispinalis capitis and multifidus cervicis, but is mainly aensory, supplying the back part of the scalp.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.