Transversus Nuchae
Shoulder & Scapula · Upper Limb
The transversus nuchae is an inconstant, often vestigial muscle of the back of the head and neck, present in only a minority of people. When it occurs it arises near the external occipital protuberance or superior nuchal line and blends into the fascia over the posterolateral neck, sometimes joining occipitalis or auricularis posterior. Being a variable mimetic (facial) muscle rather than a true neck muscle, it does not move the cervical spine; instead it contributes, when functional, to movements of the scalp or ear. Reflecting that facial-muscle nature, its motor supply is the facial nerve (CN VII); the great auricular nerve, which runs nearby, is purely sensory to the overlying skin and does not drive the muscle.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
External occipital protuberance or superior nuchal line
Insertion
Fascia over the posterolateral neck (variable; may blend with occipitalis or auricularis posterior)
Action
Because it is primarily a vestigial or variable facial/mimetic muscle, it does not act on the cervical spine, but rather contributes to movements of the scalp or ears
Nerve
Great auricular nerve and the facial nerve (CN VII)
Attachments explained
The Transversus Nuchae is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
External occipital protuberance or superior nuchal line
Insertion
Fascia over the posterolateral neck (variable; may blend with occipitalis or auricularis posterior)
Action & function
When the Transversus Nuchae contracts, it produces the following movement: Because it is primarily a vestigial or variable facial/mimetic muscle, it does not act on the cervical spine, but rather contributes to movements of the scalp or ears.
As part of the Shoulder & Scapula group of the Upper Limb, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Transversus Nuchae receives its nerve supply from the Great auricular nerve and the facial nerve (CN VII).
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Great auricular nerve and the facial nerve can weaken or paralyse the Transversus Nuchae, impairing the movements it normally produces (because it is primarily a vestigial or variable facial/mimetic muscle, it does not act on the cervical spine, but rather contributes to movements of the scalp or ears). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Transversus Nuchae (the OIANS method)
Treat the transversus nuchae as an anatomical variant rather than a core muscle to memorise: the key facts are that it is often absent and, despite its neck location, behaves as a facial (mimetic) muscle acting on the scalp or ear. That reframing prevents you from expecting it to move the cervical spine.
Its most useful teaching point is the nerve: because it is a mimetic muscle, it aligns with the facial nerve rather than a cervical motor nerve. Filing it beside the scalp and ear muscles keeps this rarity from cluttering your model of the true neck muscles.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Transversus Nuchae located?
The Transversus Nuchae is a muscle of the Shoulder & Scapula group, located in the Upper Limb.
What is the origin of the Transversus Nuchae?
External occipital protuberance or superior nuchal line
What is the insertion of the Transversus Nuchae?
Fascia over the posterolateral neck (variable; may blend with occipitalis or auricularis posterior)
What movements does the Transversus Nuchae produce?
Because it is primarily a vestigial or variable facial/mimetic muscle, it does not act on the cervical spine, but rather contributes to movements of the scalp or ears
What nerve supplies the Transversus Nuchae?
Great auricular nerve and the facial nerve (CN VII)
Is the Transversus Nuchae free to study in OIANS?
Yes. The Transversus Nuchae is free in OIANS: its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory, and because it belongs to the Upper Limb it is also covered by the free Quiz and Flashcard decks. The other regions, the "All Muscles" deck, and the Progress and Explore tools are unlocked with a one-time Lifetime purchase.
Related muscles
Study the Transversus Nuchae
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