The second cervical dorsal spinal rami are the largest of the cervical dorsal rami and are slightly larger than the ventral rami of C2.  Each emerges between the posterior arch of C1 (atlas) and the laminae of C2 (axis) below the obliquus capitis inferior muscle, which it supplies.

Each receives a small branch from the dorsal ramus of C1 before dividing into a larger medial branch (greater occipital nerve) and a smaller lateral branch.

Supply
The second cervical dorsal spinal rami supply obliquus capitis inferior; the medial branches supply semispinalis capitis and the lateral branches supply semispinalis capitis and longissimus capitis.