Which nerve is the dorsal ramus of C2 commonly called?

• A. Greater auricular nerve
• B. Lesser occipital nerve
• C. Third occipital nerve
• D. Greater occipital nerve

Answer: (D)

The dorsal ramus of the second cervical nerve is the greater occipital nerve. It is the main sensory nerve that ascends from the C2 dorsal ramus to supply the skin of the posterior scalp from the occipital region up toward the vertex. As it travels upward, it passes through neck muscles and then enters the scalp to provide cutaneous innervation. The other nerves listed have different origins or territories: the greater auricular and lesser occipital nerves arise from the cervical plexus (ventral rami) and supply areas around the ear and lateral neck, while the third occipital nerve comes from the dorsal ramus of C3 and covers a smaller strip of scalp below the superior nuchal line.