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AnatomyHead and neckSkullExternal occipital protuberance
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AnatomyHead and neckSkullExternal occipital protuberance

External occipital protuberance

Author: Danijel Tosovic, PhD • Reviewer: Declan Tempany, BSc (Hons)
Last reviewed: March 04, 2024
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Posterior and lateral views of the skull [26:24]
Structures seen on the posterior and lateral views of the skull.
External occipital protuberance
Protuberantia occipitalis externa
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Synonyms: Inion

The external occipital protuberance is a prominent bony projection of the occipital bone of the skull. Is it typically more palpable in males, with its most prominent point referred to as the inion. Extending laterally from the external occipital protuberance are the superior nuchal lines. Together, these landmarks form the boundary between the scalp and the neck. An imaginary line, the pericraniocervical line, runs from the external occipital protuberance to the midpoint of the chin and demarcates the head from the neck. 

The external occipital protuberance serves as an attachment point for the nuchal ligament as well as the trapezius muscle. 

Terminology English: External occipital protuberance
Latin: Protuberantia occipitalis externa
Definition Prominent external bony projection of the occipital bone
Function Attachment site for the nuchal ligament and trapezius muscle.

Learn more about the posterior and lateral views of the skull with this study unit:

Posterior and lateral views of the skull Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

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