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The platysma muscle is a thin, sheet-like muscle that spans from the collarbone to the lower face. It is a subcutaneous structure, located close to the skin. The platysma muscle plays an important role in facial expressions and functions, such as opening the jaw, frowning, and sipping beverages. As people age, the platysma muscle can shorten and thin, leading to sagging neck skin. This muscle is also vulnerable to tears, strains, and atrophy, and is susceptible to neck injuries due to its superficial and thin nature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Superficial muscle of the anterior neck |
| Appearance | Thin, sheet-like muscle |
| Origin | Upper thoracic and shoulder regions |
| Insertion | Mandible, skin and subcutaneous tissue of the lower face |
| Innervation | Cervical branch of the facial nerve (CN VII) |
| Arterial Supply | Submental branch of the facial artery, suprascapular branch of the thyrocervical trunk |
| Function | Contributes to producing facial expressions, depresses the lower jaw, draws down the lower lip and angle of the mouth |
| Ageing | Shortening and thinning of the muscle, leading to "turkey neck" |
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What You'll Learn
Platysma's role in facial expressions
The platysma muscle is a thin, sheet-like muscle that spans from the collarbone to the lower face. It is a subcutaneous structure, located close to the skin. It is also a superficial muscle, meaning it is situated within the subcutaneous tissue of the neck.
The platysma muscle plays a crucial role in forming various facial expressions. It is responsible for drawing the skin around the lower part of the mouth down or out, creasing the skin in the lower face. This action is essential for a range of facial expressions, including frowning, sipping beverages, kissing, and expressing surprise, confusion, or displeasure. Without the platysma muscle, performing these facial movements would be challenging.
The muscle contributes to the formation of the modiolus, a fibromuscular chiasm of facial muscles found at the corners of the mouth. It also blends with the depressor anguli oris and depressor labi inferioris muscles, reinforcing their actions. The anterior portion of the platysma muscle, being the thickest part, depresses the lower jaw and draws down the lower lip and angle of the mouth in a frown.
The platysma muscle is susceptible to ageing, as it can shorten and thin over time, leading to sagging neck skin. This ageing process can be accelerated by factors such as weightlifting or facelift procedures. Conservative management, botulinum toxin injections, and platysmaplasty are possible interventions to address this issue.
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Platysma's relation to ageing
The platysma is a thin, superficial muscle located in the front of the neck, just under the skin. It originates from the chest and inserts into the jaw and facial muscles. This muscle plays a role in facial expressions and neck movements. When contracted, it pulls the corners of the mouth downward and helps to lower the bottom lip, exposing the teeth. Additionally, the platysma aids in lowering the mandible and pulling it forward, contributing to certain facial expressions.
Now, let's discuss the relationship between the platysma and aging:
The platysma muscle is closely associated with the aging process, particularly in the appearance of the neck and lower jaw. As we age, the skin loses elasticity and becomes less firm, which can lead to sagging and wrinkles. The platysma muscle can contribute to these aging signs in a few ways.
One of the most noticeable signs of aging in the neck region is the appearance of "neck bands." These are caused by the platysma muscle separating into distinct bands, creating a cord-like appearance under the skin. This separation of the muscle fibers can occur due to a loss of elasticity and thinning of the platysma with age, causing it to shorten and widen, resulting in these visible bands.
Another age-related change involving the platysma is the formation of a "turkey neck" or "witch's chin." This occurs when there is an excessive amount of fat and loose skin under the chin and neck, creating a sagging, wrinkled appearance. As the platysma muscle weakens and loses its tone with age, it provides less support to the overlying tissues, contributing to this phenomenon.
Additionally, the platysma muscle can contribute to jowling, which is the sagging of skin and fat from the cheeks and jawline. As the muscle weakens and elongates with age, it provides less support to the overlying structures, leading to a downward shift of facial tissues and the appearance of jowls.
A weak platysma muscle can also affect the jawline and contribute to a loss of definition. A well-toned platysma provides support and lift to the jaw and neck, helping to create a sharp and defined jawline. With age, the muscle weakens, resulting in a less defined jawline and a potential decrease in facial width, which is a characteristic feature of youthful faces.
In summary, the platysma muscle plays a significant role in the aging process, particularly in the appearance of the neck and jawline. As the muscle weakens, separates into bands, and loses its tone with age, it contributes to various signs of aging, including neck bands, turkey neck, jowling, and a loss of jawline definition. Understanding the relationship between the platysma and aging can help guide interventions and treatments aimed at improving the appearance of the lower face and neck in older individuals.
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Platysma's location and structure
The platysma is a thin, sheet-like muscle that lies superficially within the anterior aspect of the neck. It is a subcutaneous structure, located close to the skin. It is situated between the superficial and deep cervical fascia and separates the subcutaneous fat from the deeper structures of the neck.
The platysma originates in the upper thoracic and shoulder regions, extending from the clavicle to the lower face. It arises from the fascia that covers the pectoralis major and deltoid muscles. Its fibres ascend superomedially over the anterolateral aspect of the neck, crossing the clavicle and proceeding obliquely upward and medially along the side of the neck. The platysma passes over the clavicle and ascends through the anterolateral sides of the neck, passing over the external and anterior jugular veins.
The platysma has several insertion points. Its medial fibres insert into the lower border of the mandible, or jawbone, and the skin of the lower lip and lower face. The lateral fibres attach to the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the perioral region and the muscles surrounding the mouth. Beneath the platysma, the external jugular vein descends from the angle of the mandible to the clavicle.
The platysma has three anatomic variations: Type I (75%), Type II (15%), and Type III (10%). In Type I, the platysma fibres interlace for just 1 to 2 cm below the chin. In Type II, the fibres interdigitate in the entire submental area down to the thyroid cartilage. In Type III, the platysma muscle fibres remain separate in the entire submental region.
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Platysma's relation to oral care
The platysma muscle is a thin, sheet-like muscle that lies superficially within the anterior aspect of the neck. It is situated between the superficial and deep cervical fascia and is covered by the superficial cervical fascia. It is a subcutaneous structure, located close to the skin.
The platysma muscle plays an important role in oral care. Firstly, it helps in producing facial expressions, particularly those involving the mouth, such as frowning or smiling. This muscle is responsible for drawing the skin around the lower part of the mouth down or out, creasing the skin in the lower face. Without the platysma muscle, individuals might find it challenging to perform daily oral care tasks such as brushing their teeth effectively or even sipping beverages and kissing.
Moreover, the platysma contributes to the formation of the modiolus, a fibromuscular chiasm of facial muscles found in the corners of the mouth. It also aids in the formation of the orbicularis oris complex, which is involved in oral functions such as sucking, whistling, and blowing.
Age-related changes in the platysma muscle can lead to sagging neck skin and the appearance of wrinkles. This condition, known as "turkey neck," may require conservative management or interventions such as botulinum toxin injection or platysmaplasty surgery. Maintaining the integrity of the superficial cervical fascia that covers the platysma muscle is crucial for surgical manipulation and tightening of the muscle.
In summary, the platysma muscle is integral to oral care as it facilitates a wide range of facial expressions involving the mouth and contributes to the structural integrity of the lower face and neck. Its health and proper function are essential for maintaining oral hygiene and performing daily oral care routines effectively.
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Platysma's relation to neck injuries
The platysma is a thin, superficial muscle located in the front region of the neck. Despite its small size, it plays a significant role in neck movements and expressions. When contracting, it pulls down the lower lip and the corner of the mouth, producing a grimace-like expression. This muscle also helps to depress the mandible, which is the lower jawbone, and move it forward. Additionally, the platysma contributes to the neck's appearance by covering the sternocleidomastoid muscle, creating a smooth contour.
Due to its location and function, the platysma is often involved in neck injuries. One of the most common issues is platysmal band contracture, where the muscle shortens and forms visible bands that pull on the skin, causing a "turkey neck" appearance. This condition can result from overuse or repetitive movements, leading to spasms and tightening of the muscle fibers. Treatment typically involves botulinum toxin injections to relax the muscle and reduce the prominent bands.
The platysma muscle is also susceptible to tears and strains, especially in contact sports or activities that involve sudden neck movements. A direct impact or whiplash-type injury can cause the platysma to tear, leading to pain, swelling, and bruising in the neck area. In some cases, a torn platysma may require surgical repair, although many minor tears can heal with conservative treatment, including rest, ice, compression, and physical therapy.
Furthermore, the platysma muscle can be involved in neck pain and headaches. Trigger points in the platysma can refer pain to other areas of the head and neck, leading to conditions such as tension headaches and myofascial pain syndrome. Myofascial release techniques, dry needling, and trigger point injections can be effective treatments for managing these types of neck-related pain.
In rare cases, injuries or abnormalities of the platysma can lead to more serious complications. For example, a condition called platysmal flap avulsion can occur, where the muscle and overlying skin are partially or completely torn away from the chest wall. This typically happens due to traumatic injuries, and surgical intervention is usually necessary to repair the damage and restore neck function and appearance.
Understanding the role of the platysma muscle is crucial in diagnosing and treating neck injuries effectively. Healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists and sports medicine specialists, should consider the platysma's function and potential for injury when assessing neck pain and dysfunction. Early recognition and appropriate management of platysma-related injuries can help improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
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Frequently asked questions
The platysma muscle is a thin, sheet-like muscle that spans from the collarbone to the lower face.
The platysma muscle is a superficial muscle of the anterior neck. It lies just deep to the subcutaneous fat and fascia and covers the anterior surface of the neck.
The platysma muscle helps to produce facial expressions, particularly those involving the lower mouth, such as frowning, kissing, or sipping beverages. It also aids in opening the jaw and contributes to the formation of the orbicularis oris complex.
Damage to the platysma muscle can cause bleeding. As people age, the platysma muscle can shorten and thin, leading to sagging neck skin. This can be treated with surgical procedures such as neck lifts or botulinum toxin injections.
To activate the platysma muscle, try resting your fingers across your neck, just above your collarbone, and pulling your mouth into a deep smile. You should feel the muscle contract in your neck. Facial and neck exercises may help to keep this muscle in good shape.
