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External occipital protuberance
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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:
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