suboccipital venous plexus

The suboccipital venous plexus is a network of veins located in the suboccipital region that drains blood from this area and connects with the deep cervical veins, as well as with the vertebral venous plexuses.

The suboccipital venous plexus is located at the back of the skull base, in the suboccipital triangle between the occipital bone and the first and second cervical vertebrae, deep to the suboccipital muscles.

The suboccipital venous plexus is involved in collecting venous blood from the suboccipital muscles and adjacent structures, providing connections between the intracranial venous sinuses, vertebral venous plexus, and deep cervical veins.

Cervical myelopathy, dural arteriovenous fistulas, venous congestion from intracranial hypertension, or surgical complications at the craniocervical junction may be associated with the suboccipital venous plexus.

The suboccipital venous plexus may be assessed through MRI or CT venography of the craniocervical junction, conventional venography, or during surgical procedures involving the posterior skull base.