Posterior view of a dissection of the upper neck after reflection of superficial muscles and the splenius capitis. The semispinalis capitis muscle is in full view as is the proximal attachment of the longissimus capitis muscle. In the superior portion of the posterior cervical triangle the occipital artery is shown before it enters the scalp. Medial to this artery is the greater occipital nerve, the dorsal ramus of C2, that after piercing the semispinalis capitis muscle ascends to supply sensory innervation to the posterior scalp region. The white band separating the right and left semispinalis capitis muscles is the ligamentum nuchae (nuchal ligament). (Image courtesy of AL Rhoton, Jr.)