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Platysma

Attachments, innervation and functions of the platysma.

The platysma is a thin sheet-like muscle that lies superficially within the anterior aspect of the neck. It arises in the upper thoracic and shoulder regions from a fascia that covers the pectoralis major and deltoid muscles. Its fibers ascend superomedially over the anterolateral aspect of the neck, to attach on the mandible and the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the lower face.

Unlike other muscles of the body that lie deep to the subcutaneous tissue, the platysma is situated within the subcutaneous tissue of the neck (superficial layer of the cervical fascia). Its superficial location means that surgical dissections of the neck need to account for underlying neurovascular structures.

Key facts about the platysma muscle
Origins Skin/fascia of infra- and supraclavicular regions
Insertion Lower border of mandible, skin of buccal/cheek region, lower lip, modiolus, orbicularis oris muscle
Innervation Cervical branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Blood supply submental artery (facial artery), suprascapular artery (thyrocervical trunk)
Actions Depresses mandible and angle of mouth, tenses skin of lower face and anterior neck

In this article, we will discuss the anatomy and function of the platysma.

Contents
  1. Origin and insertion
  2. Innervation
  3. Blood supply
  4. Function
  5. Clinical relations
    1. Neck lacerations or surgical dissections 
    2. Platysma bands and ageing 
  6. Sources
+ Show all

Origin and insertion

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. 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 most medial fibers of platysma interlace across the midline with the contralateral muscle fibers.

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The platysma has several insertion points. Its medial fibers insert onto the lower border of the mandible or the skin of the lower lip. The lateral fibers 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. Thereby, the platysma contributes to the formation of the orbicularis oris complex along with other muscles of facial expression.

Learn the anatomy of platysma and other face and neck muscles with our study units:

Innervation

The platysma is supplied by the cervical branch of the facial nerve (CN VII). In addition, it receives proprioceptive innervation from the transverse cervical nerve.

Blood supply

The platysma receives arterial blood supply from the submental branch of the facial artery as well as the suprascapular branch of the thyrocervical trunk.

Function

The main function of the platysma is to contribute to producing a myriad of facial expressions. With its attachment on the modiolus and the lower lip, it can produce an expression of sadness, surprise and horror by lowering the corners of the mouth and lower lip. Due to its attachment on the mandible, the platysma can also assist in depressing the mandible and therefore help to open the mouth.

In addition, the platysma can be seen bulging out during strenuous physical activity or running. It is thought that this mechanism prevents the compression of the jugular veins and the suction of the soft tissues of the neck due to the intense respiratory efforts being made.

Take our quiz to solidify your knowledge about the anterior neck muscles, including platysma:

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