OCCIPITALIS

• Origin

Lateral two-thirds of the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone.
Mastoid process of the temporal bone.

• Insertion

Galea aponeurotica (epicranial aponeurosis), which connects to the frontalis muscle

• Agonist(s)

- Frontalis (for movement of the scalp)

• Antagonist(s)

- There are no direct antagonists, as the occipitalis mainly assists in scalp movement.

• Function

- Pulls the scalp posteriorly,
- Helps raise the eyebrows (in conjunction with the frontalis muscle) and wrinkle the forehead.

TRIGGER POINT(S)

• Location

Trigger points are generally found along the superior nuchal line, near the occipital bone. 

These points are often sensitive, especially close to the mastoid process and near the occipital attachment.

• Pain Referral Pattern

Pain may radiate upward toward the top of the head and around the back of the head, sometimes leading to tension headaches. 

The pain can also refer to the base of the skull and occasionally extend toward the temples.