Dominic Stone
The platysma muscle is a superficial muscle located in the subcutaneous tissue of the neck. It is a thin, sheet-like muscle that covers many structures found deeper in the neck, such as the external carotid artery, the external jugular vein, and the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve. The platysma muscle plays an important role in facial expressions and helps with oral care by aiding in holding certain positions with the mouth. Its location over the bottom jaw and lower face allows it to draw the skin around the mouth downwards or outwards, creating creases in the lower face.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Within the subcutaneous tissue of the neck |
| Layer | Superficial |
| Muscle Type | Broad, thin, sheet-like |
| Origin | Fascia that covers the clavicle, acromial region, and superior portions of the pectoralis major and deltoid muscles |
| Insertion Points | Mandible, cheek skin, commissure of the mouth, orbicularis oris muscle, posterior border of the depressor anguli oris muscle, orbicularis oculi muscle |
| Innervation | Facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) |
| Nerve Branches | Temporal, zygomatic, buccal, marginal mandibular, and cervical |
| Main Function | Facial expression and oral functions |
| Blood Supply | Branches of the submental artery and suprascapular artery |
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What You'll Learn
Platysma muscle's role in facial expressions
The platysma is a thin, sheet-like muscle located in the subcutaneous tissue of the neck, covering most of the anterior and lateral aspect of the neck. It is a muscle of facial expression and is often overlooked due to its location on the neck. However, it plays a crucial role in producing a range of facial expressions.
The platysma has several insertion points, including the mandible, the cheek skin, the commissure of the mouth, and the orbicularis oris muscle. It blends with the depressor anguli oris and depressor labi inferioris muscles, reinforcing their actions. The platysma contributes to the formation of the modiolus, a fibromuscular chiasm of facial muscles found in the corners of the mouth. This, in turn, aids in the formation of the orbicularis oris complex, which is involved in facial expressions.
The platysma's innervation is through the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), specifically its cervical branch. This nerve provides innervation to other muscles involved in facial expressions, such as the depressor anguli oris muscle. Damage to this nerve during surgical procedures can result in paralysis of the platysma and other muscles, distorting facial expressions and the shape of the mouth.
The platysma's function in facial expressions is also associated with its ability to create wrinkles or depressions on the skin of the neck and mandible. In some individuals, it can cause a slight drooping of the lower lip and angle of the mouth. This contributes to a range of facial expressions, from smiles to frowns, helping to convey thoughts and feelings.
Furthermore, the platysma can be visibly active during strenuous physical activity, such as running. This mechanism is believed to prevent the compression of the jugular veins and soft tissues of the neck during intense respiratory efforts. The platysma's role in facial expressions is not fully understood, and further research is needed to comprehend its full potential in non-verbal communication.
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Platysma muscle's location in the body
The platysma muscle is a long, flat muscle that spans from the collarbone to the lower face. It is a superficial muscle, located within the subcutaneous tissue of the neck, and covers most of the anterior and lateral aspects of the neck. Its thin muscle fibres cross over the clavicle and proceed obliquely, superiorly, laterally, and medially over the neck. The platysma muscle fibres start to thin out as they traverse the superior aspect of the lower face and merge or blend with the muscles around the angle and lower part of the oral cavity.
The platysma muscle 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 depressor labi inferioris muscles and reinforces their actions. It is important to note that the platysma contributes to the formation of the modiolus, which is a fibromuscular chiasm of facial muscles found in the corners of the mouth.
The platysma muscle is supplied by the cervical branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). The facial nerve has several main branches: the temporal, zygomatic, buccal, marginal mandibular, and cervical branches. The primary innervation of the platysma is by the cervical branch, although there are instances of aberrant innervation to some muscle fibres by the marginal mandibular branch. The supraclavicular nerves pierce the inferior portion of the platysma muscle superior to the clavicle. These are pure sensory nerves that provide sensation to the lower neck and upper chest.
The platysma muscle is vulnerable to tears, strains, and muscle atrophy, among other possible conditions. Its superficial location means that surgical dissections of the neck need to account for underlying neurovascular structures. 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. This wrinkling of the skin is associated with the first signs of ageing of the neck, known as "turkey neck".
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Platysma muscle's structure and anatomy
The platysma muscle is a superficial muscle of the human neck. It is situated within the subcutaneous tissue of the neck, in the superficial layer of the cervical fascia. This is a zone of loose connective tissue between the dermis and deep cervical fascia.
The platysma is a thin, sheet-like muscle that covers the anterior and lateral aspects of the neck. It arises from the fascia that covers the upper segments of the deltoid and pectoralis muscles. Its fibres cross over the clavicle and proceed obliquely superiorly, laterally and medially over the neck. 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. The lateral fibres attach to the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the perioral region and to the muscles surrounding the mouth.
The platysma is a muscle of facial expression and is innervated by the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). The facial nerve has several main branches, including the temporal, zygomatic, buccal, marginal mandibular, and
The platysma contributes to the formation of the modiolus, a fibromuscular chiasm of facial muscles found in the corners of the mouth. It also contributes to the formation of the orbicularis oris complex, along with other muscles of facial expression. The main function of the platysma is to produce a range of facial expressions. When stimulated, it may produce wrinkling of the skin on the neck, a slight depression of the skin of the mandible, or a slight drooping of the lower lip and angle of the mouth.
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Platysma muscle's function in oral care
The platysma muscle is a long, flat muscle that spans from the collarbone to the lower face. It is a superficial muscle, located within the subcutaneous tissue of the neck. This thin, sheet-like muscle is often overlooked, but it plays an important role in oral care and facial expressions.
The platysma muscle contributes to the formation of the modiolus, a fibromuscular chiasm of facial muscles found in the corners of the mouth. It blends with the depressor anguli oris and depressor labii inferioris muscles, reinforcing their actions. The platysma also helps to form the orbicularis oris complex, which is involved in oral functions such as smiling, frowning, and other facial expressions.
The muscle's function in oral care is primarily related to its role in depressing the lower lip and angle of the mouth. While the platysma muscle plays a minor role in this depression, it works in conjunction with other muscles, such as the depressor anguli oris and depressor labii inferioris muscles. This action of depressing the lower lip is important in oral care as it helps to create a seal around the mouth, which is essential for various activities such as sucking, swallowing, and speaking.
Additionally, the platysma muscle may contribute to oral health by aiding in the prevention of compression of the jugular veins during strenuous physical activity. This mechanism helps to protect the soft tissues of the neck from the intense respiratory efforts made during exercise. While this is not directly related to oral care, it demonstrates the platysma muscle's role in maintaining overall neck and head health.
To maintain the health and function of the platysma muscle, facial and neck exercises may be beneficial. While there is limited scientific evidence for the effectiveness of these workouts, activating the muscle may help improve its tone and firmness. However, it is important to be cautious and consult a doctor or dentist if you experience pronounced soreness or discomfort in the area.
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Platysma muscle's vulnerability to injuries
The platysma muscle is a thin, sheet-like muscle located in the subcutaneous tissue of the neck. It is a muscle of facial expression, and its innervation is via the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). The platysma has several insertion points, with its fibres attaching to the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the lower face, as well as the muscles surrounding the mouth.
Due to its location and structure, the platysma muscle is vulnerable to various injuries and complications. Firstly, its superficial position means that surgical dissections of the neck must consider the underlying neurovascular structures. Injuries to the neck, such as lacerations, can have significant clinical consequences. Inaccurate suturing of wounds or surgical incisions can result in the platysma muscle pulling on the healing skin, leading to large scarring. The close proximity of the cervical branch of the facial nerve to the platysma also poses a risk of nerve damage during surgical procedures.
The platysma muscle is susceptible to penetrating trauma in the neck, including complex injuries from gunshot or stab wounds. Its thin and superficial nature makes it vulnerable to complete penetration, requiring careful management to minimise exploratory surgeries and improve patient outcomes.
Ageing can also affect the appearance of the platysma muscle, with neck bands above it becoming more noticeable over time. This condition, known as platysma dyskinesia or "turkey neck", may be aggravated by weightlifting or facelift procedures. Conservative management, botulinum toxin injection, or platysmaplasty (a surgical procedure) are possible interventions to address this issue.
Additionally, the platysma muscle can separate into rope-like bands with irregular tension, causing wrinkly skin on the neck. This phenomenon is associated with the early signs of ageing and can lead to aesthetic concerns.
In summary, the platysma muscle's vulnerability to injuries and complications arises from its superficial and thin nature, its proximity to underlying neurovascular structures, and its role in facial expressions. Proper surgical techniques and consideration of ageing-related changes are crucial to managing and preventing issues associated with the platysma muscle.
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Frequently asked questions
The platysma muscle is located in the neck.
The platysma muscle is a superficial muscle, located within the subcutaneous tissue of the neck.
The platysma muscle is a muscle of facial expression. It plays a role in opening your jaw and helps you make facial expressions.
The platysma muscle has several insertion points. Its fibres attach to the mandible, the cheek skin, the commissure of the mouth, and the orbicularis oris muscle.
Platysma dyskinesia refers to the neck bands in the area above the platysma muscle that become noticeable with age. It is also known as "turkey neck".
