OCCIPITAL TRIANGLE Meaning and
Definition
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The occipital triangle is a term that refers to a specific anatomical region located in the posterior (back) part of the head, near the base of the skull. It is formed by three main structures: the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the trapezius muscle, and the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone.
The sternocleidomastoid muscle is a long, bilateral muscle that runs from the base of the skull down to the collarbone and sternum. It plays a crucial role in neck movement, allowing the head to rotate and tilt. The trapezius muscle is a large, triangular muscle that extends from the base of the skull, along the spine, down to the shoulder blades. It primarily functions to move and stabilize the shoulder blades, as well as help control head and neck posture.
The occipital bone is a flat bone that forms the back of the skull. The inferior nuchal line is a bony ridge on the occipital bone that serves as an attachment site for various neck muscles. Together, these three structures outline the boundaries of the occipital triangle.
The occipital triangle is important clinically as it serves as a landmark for various medical procedures and surgeries involving the neck and the posterior part of the head. Its boundaries help to delineate the region of interest for interventions such as injections, nerve blocks, and surgical incisions.
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A t. of the neck bounded by the trapezius, the sternocleidomastoid, and the omohyoid muscles; see inferior occipital t.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OCCIPITAL TRIANGLE
- occipital trianglu
- occipital trianglm
- occipital triangla
- occipital trianglg
- occipietaltriangle
- o ccipital triangle
- oc cipital triangle
- occ ipital triangle
- occipi tal triangle
- occipit al triangle
- occipita l triangle
- occipital t riangle
- occipital tr iangle
- occipital tri angle
- occipital tria ngle
- occipital trian gle
- occipital triang le
- occipital triangl e
Etymology of OCCIPITAL TRIANGLE
The word "occipital" originates from the Latin term "occiput", which means "back of the head". It is derived from the combination of "ob-" (toward) and "caput" (head). "Triangle" traces its roots back to the Latin word "triangulum", which means "triangle" or "three-cornered shape". When combined, "occipital triangle" refers to the triangular area found on the back of the head.
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