Peripheral nerves6 min read

Cranial nerves and facial surface territories

The twelve cranial nerves, and which of them carry a cutaneous field.

Only a few reach the skin

Of the twelve cranial nerves, the trigeminal carries almost the entire cutaneous supply of the face, divided into ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular fields. The facial and vagus nerves contribute small auricular territories.

The cervical contribution

The posterior scalp and the angle of the mandible are cervical, not cranial — supplied by C2 and C3. This is the transition on which the occipital concept is built.

Related formulations

OAA DUO

In the atlas

Interactive head

Educational reference material. Nothing in the Knowledge Center is medical advice, and no therapeutic effect is claimed or implied.

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Related knowledge

Structures, formulations and documentation connected to this article.

Formulation

FormulationOAA DUOOccipital and upper cervical application zones, formulated for the cranial dermatome transition.→

Peripheral nerve

Peripheral nerveGreater occipital nerveC2 (dorsal ramus) — Posterior scalp from the superior nuchal line toward the vertex.→Peripheral nerveLesser occipital nerveC2–C3 — Lateral occipital scalp and superior auricular surface.→Peripheral nerveThird occipital nerveC3 (dorsal ramus) — Suboccipital surface and upper cervical midline.→Peripheral nerveGreat auricular nerveC2–C3 — Angle of the mandible, parotid surface and lower auricle.→Peripheral nerveSupraclavicular nervesC3–C4 — Lower neck, clavicular line and upper pectoral surface.→Peripheral nerveSupraorbital nerveV1 — Forehead and anterior scalp above the orbital rim.→

Knowledge article

Knowledge articleThe occipital nerves and the cranial transitionGreater, lesser and third occipital nerves, and the field where cranial and cervical territories meet.→Knowledge articleNeurocutaneous anatomyThe interface where peripheral nerve architecture meets the skin, and how SIRIAM defines its zones.→