Atlas of Acupuncture

3 Anatomical Orientation

3.1.5 Occiput

Craniocervical transition (
Figs 3.28–3.32)

The transition from the head to the neck is formed by the mas-

toid process, the adjacent dorsal musculature and the occiput.

The following points are located in this area (from lateral to

medial) 
G.B.-12, yiming(Ex-HN-14), anmian(Ex-HN),

G.B.-20, BL-10, Du-15and Du-16.

External occipital protuberance

(
Figs 3.32, 3.33)

The external occipital protuberance forms a flat projection on

the posterior midline of the occiput, which can be palpated

slightly superior to the craniocervical transition. It defines the

location of 
Du-16, Du-17and BL-9.Sometimes, and more

frequently in women, the protuberance may be defined only

poorly or not at all.

Posterior hairline (no figure)

The posterior hairline is used as a reference point for locating

points on the occiput, but due to its variable position it is not a

very reliable landmark.

G.B.-12

G.B.-11

1/3

Approximate

level of the root

of the ear

Mastoid process

Fig. 3.30

G.B.-20

Lower border

of the occiput

BL-10

Du-15

Occipital

bone

Axis Sternocleido-

mastoid

G.B.-20

Fig. 3.31

Sagittal suture

Lambdoid suture

Occipitomastoid

suture

Parietal bone

Occipital bone

Mastoid

process

External occipital

protuberance

Du-16

BL-9 Du-17 BL-9

Du-17 BL-9

Du-16

G.B.-20

Transverseprocess of C1 BL-10

the atlas

External

occipital

protuberance

Fig. 3.33

Fig. 3.32