Examining The Platysma Muscle: A Step-By-Step Guide

The platysma is a thin, sheet-like muscle in the human neck that plays a role in facial expressions and movements. It is located within the subcutaneous tissue of the neck and covers the anterior and lateral aspects of the neck. The platysma can be activated by asking a person to depress and draw the lower lip laterally while depressing the mandible. It can also be observed bulging out during strenuous physical activity. To check for injuries or abnormalities in the platysma muscle, medical imaging techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and angiography may be employed.

Platysma muscle location

The platysma muscle is a thin, sheet-like muscle that lies superficially within the anterior aspect of the neck. It is a subcutaneous structure, located within the subcutaneous tissue of the neck (superficial layer of the cervical fascia).

The platysma originates from the fascia that covers the clavicle, the acromial region, and the superior portions of the pectoralis major and deltoid muscles. From its origin, the platysma passes over the clavicle and ascends through the anterolateral sides of the neck. In its course along the neck, the platysma passes over the external and anterior jugular veins. The platysma has several insertion points. Its medial fibres insert onto the lower border of the mandible or jawbone, and the skin of the lower lip. The lateral fibres of the platysma attach to the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the perioral region, and to the muscles surrounding the mouth.

The platysma is a broad sheet of muscle that arises from the fascia covering the upper parts of the pectoralis major and deltoid muscles. Its fibres cross the clavicle and proceed obliquely upward and medially along the side of the neck. The platysma is supplied by the cervical branch of the facial nerve, and it receives arterial blood supply from the submental branch of the facial artery, as well as the suprascapular branch of the thyrocervical trunk.

The platysma is vulnerable to neck injuries that may penetrate it, as it is both superficial and thin. Its superficial location means that surgical dissections of the neck need to account for underlying neurovascular structures. In addition, the platysma can be seen bulging out during strenuous physical activity or running. This mechanism is thought to prevent the compression of the jugular veins and the suction of the soft tissues of the neck due to intense respiratory efforts.

Platysma muscle structure

The platysma is a thin, sheet-like muscle that lies within the subcutaneous tissue of the neck. It is a superficial muscle, meaning it is located in the anterior aspect of the neck, covering the anterior and lateral surfaces of the neck. The platysma is contained within the superficial cervical fascia, which is a zone of loose connective tissue between the dermis and deep cervical fascia.

The platysma originates from the fascia that covers the clavicle, the acromial region, and the superior portions of the pectoralis major and deltoid muscles. Its fibres then cross the clavicle and proceed obliquely upward and medially along the side of the neck, passing over the external and anterior jugular veins. The platysma has several insertion points, with its medial fibres inserting onto the lower border of the mandible or the skin of the lower lip, and its lateral fibres attaching to the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the perioral region and the muscles surrounding the mouth.

The platysma is supplied by the cervical branch of the facial nerve and receives arterial blood supply from the submental branch of the facial artery and the suprascapular branch of the thyrocervical trunk. It is vulnerable to tears, strains, and muscle atrophy, as well as penetrating trauma to the neck due to its superficial and thin nature.

The platysma plays a role in producing facial expressions and can be activated by asking the patient to depress and draw the lower lip laterally while maintaining the mandible in a slightly depressed position. It can also be seen bulging out during strenuous physical activity, possibly to prevent the compression of the jugular veins and soft tissues of the neck.

Platysma muscle function

The platysma is a thin, sheet-like muscle that covers the front and sides of the neck. It is a superficial muscle, located within the subcutaneous tissue of the neck. Its fibres pass over the clavicle and ascend through the sides of the neck, attaching to the mandible and the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the lower face.

The platysma is often overlooked, but it is a muscle of facial expression. Its main function is to contribute to producing a range of facial expressions, such as frowns. It does this by depressing the lower jaw, drawing down the lower lip and angle of the mouth. It also blends with the depressor anguli oris and depressor labi inferioris muscles, reinforcing their actions.

The platysma can be activated by asking a patient to depress and draw the lower lip laterally while maintaining the mandible in a position of slight depression. It can also be seen bulging out during strenuous physical activity or running. This is thought to prevent the compression of the jugular veins and the suction of the soft tissues of the neck due to intense respiratory efforts.

The platysma can separate into rope-like bands, with irregular tension, causing the appearance of wrinkly skin on the neck. This is associated with the first signs of ageing of the neck, known as "turkey neck".

Platysma muscle contraction

The platysma is a thin, sheet-like muscle in the human neck. It is a facial expression muscle, helping to produce expressions of sadness, surprise, and horror. It also assists in depressing the mandible and lowering the corners of the mouth and lower lip. During strenuous physical activity, the platysma can be seen bulging out.

The platysma is vulnerable to tears, strains, atrophy, and penetrating trauma. It is important to be careful when suturing wounds to the platysma, as improper suturing can result in large scarring. When the neck is surgically accessed, the platysma usually needs to be cut through, so it is important not to damage it to prevent bleeding.

The platysma muscle contraction pattern has been studied using real-time ultrasound imaging. The study found that within a platysmal band, the local thickness of the muscle increases during muscular contractions by 0.33 mm (37.9%) and that outside of a platysmal band, the thickness of the platysma muscle decreased by 0.13 mm (20.3%). This confirms the theory of isometric vs isotonic platysma muscle contraction patterns. Isotonic contraction involves the muscle gliding without an increase in tension or thickness, while isometric contraction involves no gliding but an increase in tension and thickness. These two types of contraction patterns occur within the platysma simultaneously and indicate zones of adhesion in the neck.

The platysma is supplied by the cervical branch of the facial nerve and receives arterial blood supply from the submental branch of the facial artery and the suprascapular branch of the thyrocervical trunk. It is contained within the superficial cervical fascia, which is a zone of loose connective tissue between the dermis and deep cervical fascia. The platysma originates from the fascia that covers the clavicle, the acromial region, and the superior portions of the pectoralis major and deltoid muscles. Its fibres ascend over the clavicle and up through the sides of the neck, attaching to the mandible and the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the lower face.

Platysma muscle injuries

The platysma muscle is a thin, sheet-like muscle in the anterior aspect of the neck. It is a superficial muscle, meaning it lies within the subcutaneous tissue of the neck. Its function is to produce a range of facial expressions.

Due to its location, the platysma is vulnerable to neck injuries that may penetrate it. Penetrating trauma in the neck can be defined as any injury that completely penetrates the platysma muscle. Gunshot wounds and stab wounds are examples of penetrating trauma that can cause platysma muscle injuries.

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is often used to visualise arteries and veins and assess damage to the muscle. This imaging technique is useful for minimising the number of exploratory surgeries that need to be performed, thus improving the management of the condition.

When neck surgery is performed, the platysma muscle usually needs to be cut through to access deeper structures. Inaccurate suturing of the wound or surgical incisions can result in the platysma muscle pulling on the healing skin, leading to large scarring. Therefore, it is crucial to suture the fibres together properly to prevent abnormal scar retraction, which may appear unsightly.

In addition to penetrating trauma, the platysma muscle can be affected by trigger points (TrPs), which can result from acute or chronic overuse of the muscles. Repeated expressions of disgust or horror can lead to TrPs in the platysma, causing a prickly pain over the mandible. Therapeutic treatments for soft tissue injuries, such as massage therapy, manual therapy, and trigger point therapy, can help increase blood flow, reduce muscle spasms, and promote healing.

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