The occipitalis muscle is a thin and flat muscle that covers the occipital region of the skull. While it may appear to be an individual muscle with two heads, it is actually a component of a larger structure.

The occipitalis muscle is a part of the occipitofrontalis muscle, forming its occipital belly. It connects to the frontalis muscle (the frontal belly of the occipitofrontalis muscle) via the epicranial aponeurosis (galea aponeurotica). The occipitalis draws the scalp backward.

Origin: lateral two-thirds of the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone; it may also extend to the mastoid process of the temporal bone.

Insertion: epicranial aponeurosis.

Action: retracts the scalp.

Innervation: posterior auricular nerve of the facial nerve (CN VII).

Arterial blood supply: occipital branches of the posterior auricular artery and occipital artery (both are branches of the external carotid artery).

Venous drainage: occipital vein (drains into the internal jugular vein or the posterior auricular vein).

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Occipitalis muscle (occipital belly of occipitofrontalis)