Scalp arteries & nerves

Scalp arteries and veins. Source: Instant Anatomy

Arteries

These arteries run between the aponeurosis and skin and anastomose with each other. The scalp is supplied by branches of the external and internal carotid arteries.

  • ECA: superficial temporal, posterior auricular, occipital arteries
  • ICA: supraorbital, supratrochlear arteries

Nerves

Cutaneous nerves follow the blood vessels. The scalp is supplied:

  • posteriorly by the greater occipital and third (least) occipital nerves, branches of the posterior rami of C2 and C3 respectively
  • laterally by the lesser occipital (C2) and auriculotemporal (branch of Vc) nerves
  • anteriorly up to the vertex by the zygomaticotemporal (branch of Vb), supratrochlear and supraorbital (both branches of Va) nerves

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