Anatomy
Course
A branch of the external carotid artery. It branches from the external carotid just before it passes behind the posterior belly of the digastric muscle and is crossed by the hypoglossal nerve. It ascends travelling posteriorly, and passes through the space between the transverse process of the atlas vertebra and the mastoid process of the temporal bone. From there it runs in a groove on the temporal bone. It then begins to ascend vertically, piercing the trapezius muscle close to its attachment line and dividing into numerous branches.
Supply
Supplies a large portion of the posterior scalp.
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