Dominic Stone
The platysma muscle is a thin, sheet-like muscle located in the anterior neck region. It is a superficial muscle, meaning it is situated within the subcutaneous tissue of the neck. The platysma muscle covers the anterior and lateral aspects of the neck, arising 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 muscle plays a role in facial expressions and can be seen bulging out during strenuous physical activity. It is also important in neck surgery, as it usually needs to be cut through to access deeper structures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle type | Broad, thin, sheet-like |
| Location | Superficial muscle of the anterior neck |
| Function | Facial expression, depressing the lower jaw, drawing down the lower lip |
| Nerve | Facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) |
| Artery | Submental artery, suprascapular artery |
| Vein | External jugular vein |
| Gland | Parotid gland |
| Nerve | Lesser occipital nerve, great auricular nerve |
| Branch | Marginal mandibular branch |
| Surgical procedure | Platysmaplasty |
| Condition | Platysma dyskinesia or "turkey neck" |
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What You'll Learn
The platysma muscle is a thin, flat muscle
The platysma muscle is involved in facial expressions and movements, such as frowning and depressing the lower lip. When contracted, it produces a slight wrinkling of the neck, creating a "`bowstring` effect on either side". This wrinkling becomes more noticeable with age and can be a cosmetic concern for some individuals.
The muscle is supplied by the cervical branch of the facial nerve and receives blood supply from branches of the submental and suprascapular arteries. Its superficial location makes it clinically significant in neck injuries, particularly penetrating trauma, and it is important to consider during surgical procedures involving the neck.
The platysma muscle can be vulnerable to various conditions such as tears, strains, and atrophy. It can also be affected by neck injuries, such as lacerations, and proper wound care is crucial to prevent scarring and complications. Additionally, the platysma muscle plays a role in preventing the compression of the jugular veins during strenuous physical activity.
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It covers the front and sides of the neck
The platysma muscle is a thin, flat, sheet-like muscle that covers the front and sides of the neck. It is a superficial muscle, situated within the subcutaneous tissue of the neck. Its fibres originate from the fascia covering the upper parts of the pectoralis major and deltoid muscles. The platysma muscle also crosses the clavicle, proceeding obliquely upward and medially along the side of the neck.
The platysma muscle covers many important 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 muscle is supplied by the cervical branch of the facial nerve and branches of the submental and suprascapular arteries.
When the platysma muscle contracts, it produces a slight wrinkling of the neck and a bowstring effect on either side. This wrinkling becomes more noticeable with age, as muscle tone decreases and the muscle thins and shortens. This ageing effect is sometimes known as "turkey neck". The platysma muscle can also be seen bulging out during strenuous physical activity, such as running, to prevent the compression of the jugular veins.
The platysma muscle is important in neck surgery, as it usually needs to be cut through to access deeper structures. Accurate suturing of the fibres is necessary to prevent abnormal scarring. The muscle is also important in diagnostic imaging, as computed tomography angiography can be used to visualise arteries and veins and assess damage to the muscle from penetrating trauma injuries.
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It is involved in facial expressions
The platysma is a thin, rectangular-shaped muscle located in the front part of the neck, just under the skin. It originates from the chest and inserts into the jaw and face. This muscle is unique in that it is not attached to any bone but instead moves the skin of the neck and face. When the platysma contracts, it pulls the skin of the neck and jaw, creating movements that are essential for facial expressions.
Indeed, the platysma is involved in a variety of facial expressions and plays a crucial role in non-verbal communication. When we raise our eyebrows in surprise or fear, the platysma contracts, pulling the corners of the mouth and the skin of the neck upwards. This muscle is also active when we smile or laugh, helping to lift the corners of the mouth and creating the appearance of a wider smile. Additionally, the platysma is engaged in negative facial expressions, such as frowning or expressing disgust. By pulling downward on the corners of the mouth and the skin of the jaw, it contributes to the formation of a frown.
The muscle is also responsible for the so-called 'turkey neck' appearance, where the skin of the neck is tightened and the neck extended, a movement often associated with fear or surprise. A subtle contraction of the platysma can create a dimpled chin, while a stronger contraction can cause the chin to quiver, which may accompany intense emotions such as anger or distress. Furthermore, the platysma can create the appearance of a 'double chin' when contracted, as the muscle shortens and pulls the skin and soft tissues of the neck upwards.
In addition to these expressive functions, the platysma also has a more subtle role in maintaining the tone and appearance of the neck. By providing support to the overlying skin and soft tissues, it helps to prevent sagging and maintain the contour of the jawline and neck. A well-toned platysma can give the appearance of a more defined and youthful neck and jaw profile. Overall, the platysma muscle plays a crucial role in our facial expressions and non-verbal communication, contributing to the richness and subtlety of human emotional expression.
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The muscle is vulnerable to tears and strains
The platysma muscle is a thin, sheet-like muscle located in the anterior region of the neck. It is the most superficial muscle in the neck and face. Due to its location and thinness, the platysma is vulnerable to tears, strains, and muscle atrophy, as well as various other conditions.
The platysma muscle is particularly susceptible to neck injuries that penetrate it. Penetrating trauma in the neck is defined as any injury that completely penetrates the platysma muscle. This can include complex injuries from gunshot wounds or stab wounds. When the platysma muscle is damaged in this way, it can lead to significant bleeding. Therefore, it is crucial to handle neck injuries with caution to prevent severe blood loss.
The platysma muscle is also vulnerable to tears and strains due to its involvement in various muscle activities. Platysmal bands, for example, are caused by the contraction of the platysma muscle during talking, eating, and facial expressions. These bands can become more noticeable with age, weight lifting, or facelift procedures. Additionally, strenuous physical activity, such as running, can cause the platysma to bulge out. This mechanism is believed to prevent the compression of the jugular veins and soft tissues in the neck during intense respiratory efforts.
Furthermore, the platysma muscle's superficial location and proximity to underlying neurovascular structures make it clinically significant during surgical dissections of the neck. Inaccurate suturing of wounds or surgical incisions can result in large scarring as the tone of the platysma muscle pulls on the healing skin. The risk of damaging the cervical branch of the facial nerve, which supplies the platysma muscle, is also present during surgical procedures. Damage to this nerve could result in paralysis of the platysma and depressor anguli oris muscles, leading to deformities in the shape of the mouth and surrounding skin.
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Platysma dyskinesia is a condition associated with ageing
The platysma muscle is a superficial muscle in the human neck that overlaps the sternocleidomastoid. It covers the anterior surface of the neck superficially. When contracted, it produces a slight wrinkling of the neck and a "bowstring" effect on either side. The platysma is a thin sheet-like muscle that lies superficially within the anterior aspect of the neck.
Platysma dyskinesia, also known as "turkey neck", is a condition associated with ageing. It is characterised by the appearance of wrinkly skin on the neck, caused by a decrease in muscle tone, leading to thinning and shortening of the platysma muscle. This condition is a secondary complication of facial nerve palsy and is associated with the normal ageing process. 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.
The ageing process results in a loss of skin elasticity, causing the skin overlying the platysma to weaken and sag. Additionally, the platysma muscle itself becomes lax with age, contributing to the drooping of the skin. Genetics also play a role, as individuals with thinner skin may experience the appearance of platysmal bands at an earlier age. The bands themselves are caused by the ageing and thickening of two edges of the neck muscles.
There are various treatment options available for platysma dyskinesia, ranging from non-invasive cosmetic procedures to surgery. Conservative management may be used, or interventions such as botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, or platysmaplasty—a surgical procedure that tightens the skin and muscles. It is recommended to consult a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine the most suitable treatment option.
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Frequently asked questions
The platysma muscle is a thin, sheet-like muscle located in the anterior neck region. It covers the front and sides of the neck.
The platysma muscle originates from the clavicle, covering the pectoralis major and deltoid muscles. It inserts into the mandible, cheek skin, and the muscles around the mouth.
The platysma muscle contributes to facial expressions, particularly those involving the lower face and neck. When contracted, it produces a wrinkling effect on the neck and can pull down the lower lip and angle of the mouth.
