Dominic Stone
The platysma muscle is a superficial muscle in the human neck that plays a crucial role in facial expressions and movements of the lower face and neck. It is a thin, broad muscle that lies just beneath the skin, covering the front part of the neck and extending from the chest to the face. The platysma helps to lower the jaw and open the mouth, and 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 muscle is also associated with ageing in the neck, as it can shorten and thin over time, leading to sagging neck skin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Within the subcutaneous tissue of the neck (superficial layer) of the cervical fascia |
| Origin | Fascia covering the clavicle, the acromial region, and the superior portions of the pectoralis major and deltoid muscles |
| Insertion Points | Lower border of the mandible or the skin of the lower lip |
| Fibres | Lateral fibres attach to the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the perioral region, and to the muscles surrounding the mouth |
| Function | Helps make facial expressions, aids in daily oral care, and plays a role in opening the jaw |
| Ageing | Platysmal bands become more noticeable with age and can be aggravated by weightlifting or facelift procedures |
| Treatment | Conservative management, botulinum toxin injection, platysmaplasty, liposuction, and neck stretches |
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What You'll Learn
Platysma muscle location
The platysma muscle is a long, flat muscle that spans from the collarbone to the lower face. It is a superficial muscle in the human neck, playing an important role in facial expressions and certain movements of the lower face and neck. It is also known as platysma.
The platysma is a thin, broad 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 contained within the superficial cervical fascia, which is a zone of loose connective tissue between the dermis and deep cervical fascia. It 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.
The platysma has several insertion points. Its medial fibres insert onto the lower border of the mandible or 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. Here, the platysma blends with the depressor anguli oris and depressori labii inferioris muscles and reinforces their actions.
The platysma is supplied by the cervical branch of the facial nerve. It is also supplied by branches of the submental artery and suprascapular artery. The platysma lies just deep to the subcutaneous fascia and fat. It covers many structures found deeper in the neck, such as the external carotid artery, the external jugular vein, the parotid gland, the lesser occipital nerve, the great auricular nerve, and the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve.
The platysma is vulnerable to neck injuries that may penetrate it, as it is both superficial and thin. When the entire platysma muscle is in action, it produces a slight wrinkling of the surface of the skin of the neck in an oblique direction (at an angle to the midline). It creates a distinctive "bowstring" effect on either side of the neck, where fibres move away from the midline.
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Platysma muscle function
The platysma muscle is a superficial muscle in the human neck, situated within the subcutaneous tissue of the neck. It covers the anterior surface of the neck superficially, overlapping the sternocleidomastoid. The platysma is a flat, broad muscle that spans from the collarbone to the lower face, covering the mandible and the skin of the lower lip and cheeks. Its fibres cross the clavicle and ascend through the anterolateral sides of the neck.
The platysma has several insertion points. Its medial fibres insert onto the lower border of the mandible or the skin of the lower lip, while its lateral fibres attach to the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the perioral region and the muscles surrounding the mouth. The platysma also blends with the depressor anguli oris and depressor labi inferioris muscles, reinforcing their actions. It contributes to the formation of the modiolus, a fibromuscular chiasm of facial muscles found in the corners of the mouth, and the orbicularis oris complex, which involves other muscles of facial expression.
The platysma plays an important role in facial expressions and movements of the lower mouth, such as sipping beverages, kissing, frowning, and brushing teeth. When it contracts, it produces a slight wrinkling of the neck and a "bowstring" effect on either side of the neck. As a person ages, the platysma can shorten and thin, leading to sagging neck skin. This can be treated with surgical procedures such as a neck lift or platysmaplasty, or non-surgical interventions like Botox injections.
The platysma is supplied by the cervical branch of the facial nerve, and it lies just deep to the subcutaneous fascia and fat. It covers important underlying structures in the neck, including the external carotid artery, the external jugular vein, the parotid gland, and several nerves. Its superficial location and proximity to these structures must be carefully considered during surgical procedures to avoid complications.
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Platysma muscle anatomy
The platysma muscle is a long, flat muscle that spans from the collarbone to the lower face. It is a superficial muscle of the anterior neck, situated within the subcutaneous tissue of the neck. 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 branches of the submental and suprascapular arteries.
The platysma has several insertion points. Its medial fibres insert onto the lower border of the mandible or the skin of the lower lip. The lateral fibres attach to the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the perioral region, and to the muscles surrounding the mouth. The platysma blends with the depressor anguli oris and depressor labi inferioris muscles, reinforcing their actions. It contributes to the formation of the modiolus, a fibromuscular chiasm of facial muscles found in the corners of the mouth, and the orbicularis oris complex.
The platysma plays an important role in facial expressions and opening the jaw. 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 muscle aids in daily oral care, helping to hold certain positions with the mouth, such as during brushing or dental treatments.
The platysma is vulnerable to neck injuries due to its superficial and thin nature. It is important to consider during surgical dissections of the neck, as it lies close to underlying neurovascular structures. Incisions must be carefully sutured to prevent abnormal scarring and damage to the muscle, which can lead to aesthetic concerns and functional impairment.
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Platysma muscle ageing
The platysma muscle is a superficial muscle in the anterior neck region, which means it is located close to the skin. It is a thin, broad sheet of muscle fibres that stretches from the chest and shoulder muscles, passing over the clavicle, and inserts into the skin of the lower face and jawline. Its function is to help us chew, talk, and make facial expressions.
Despite being a relatively inconspicuous muscle, the platysma plays a crucial role in maintaining the firmness and definition of our neck and jawline. As we age, the platysma muscle fibres can shorten and thin, causing the edges of the muscle to curl inward. This can lead to sagging neck skin and the appearance of wrinkles, a condition known as "turkey neck". The ageing process can also cause the platysma muscle to tighten and contract, pulling on the healing skin and resulting in large scarring if not carefully sutured during neck surgery.
The platysma muscle's transformation over time plays a significant role in how our facial structures evolve with age. Neck bands in the area above the platysma muscle become more noticeable with age and can be aggravated by factors such as weightlifting or facelift procedures. This can result in a condition called platysma dyskinesia, which can be treated conservatively or with interventions such as botulinum toxin injection or platysmaplasty surgery.
Understanding the dynamics of facial ageing is essential for effectively addressing the signs of ageing. Treatments targeting the platysma muscle, such as the "Nefertiti Neck Lift", can help improve the appearance of the neck and prevent further tightening of the muscle. Additionally, facial and neck exercises may help to keep the platysma muscle in good shape, although there is limited scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.
In summary, the platysma muscle undergoes changes with age, contributing to the ageing appearance of the neck and lower face. These changes can be mitigated through various treatments and exercises targeting the platysma muscle to improve skin firmness and reduce wrinkles.
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Platysma muscle injuries
The platysma muscle is a thin, superficial muscle located in the front of the neck, extending from the chest and shoulder area to the jaw and face. It plays a role in facial expressions and neck movements, particularly in lowering the bottom jaw and moving the neck. Injuries to this muscle can occur, and they present unique challenges due to their location and function.
In some cases, platysma muscle injuries may accompany or be mistaken for neck ligament sprains, as the symptoms can overlap. It is important to get a proper diagnosis to distinguish between the two, as the treatment approaches may differ. Treatment for platysma muscle injuries typically involves managing pain and inflammation, and in more severe cases, surgery may be required to repair extensive damage or ruptures. Initial treatment often includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling.
Once the acute phase has passed, gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises are introduced to restore neck mobility and strengthen the muscle. In cases where surgery is necessary, physical therapy will follow to ensure proper healing and regain full function. It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms of a platysma muscle injury persist or worsen, as proper treatment can help ensure a full recovery and prevent long-term complications. Early intervention is key to a successful outcome.
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Frequently asked questions
The platysma muscle is a long, flat muscle that spans from the collarbone to the lower face. It is a superficial muscle in the anterior neck, located within the subcutaneous tissue.
The platysma muscle helps with opening the jaw and making facial expressions. It is responsible for drawing the skin around the lower part of the mouth down or out, which creases the skin in the lower face. This helps with daily activities such as sipping beverages, kissing, and frowning.
Damage to the platysma muscle can occur through neck injuries such as lacerations or penetrating trauma. In the case of neck surgery, the platysma muscle usually needs to be cut through, and accurate suturing is required to prevent abnormal scarring. As people age, the platysma muscle can shorten and thin, leading to sagging neck skin.
Platysmal bands can become more visible with age or intense activities such as weightlifting. Treatments to reduce the appearance of these bands include botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, dermal fillers, and platysmaplasty (a type of surgery).
