Anatomy Neck. Superficial Structures of the Neck. Accessory Nerve, Anterior triangle, Arteries, Carotid Artery, Carotid Body, Cervical Plexus, Hyoid Muscles, Muscles, Neck, Nerves, Platysma, Posterior triangle of the Neck, raised JVP, Sternocleidomastoid, XI

Platysma Muscle is a wide, thin, subcutaneous sheet of striated muscle that is located in the superficial fascia of the neck. The platysma covers the superior part of the anterior triangle and the anteroinferior part of the posterior triangle of the neck. Its fibers blend with the facial muscles.  The Platysma is the muscle of facial expression.

Platysma muscle
Platysma is visible at bottom, in neck
Gray's	subject #110 387
Origin	subcutaneous tissue of infraclavicular and supraclavicular regions - Fascia and Skin over Pectoralis major and deltoid muscles
Insertion	base of mandible; skin of cheek and lower lip; angle of mouth; orbicularis oris
Artery	branches of the Submental artery and Suprascapular artery
Nerve	cervical branch of the facial nerve (CN VII)
Actions	Draws the corners of themouth inferiorly and widens it (as in expressions of sadness and fright). Also draws the skinof the neck superiorly whenteeth are clenched

 

An Raised JVP can be seen under the platysma Muscle.


Cervical branch of the facial nerve supplies the platysma - and may be damaged by malignant parotid or submandibular cancer (Ca). The cervical branch of the facial nerve may also be damaged by surgical procedures like the removal of a branchial cyst. Injury to the mandibular branch produces a noticeable facial deformity and damaged to the cervical branch of the facial nerve produces unsightly drooping neck. A gaping of the skin incision may be present after the removal of a thyroid - if the platysma edges were not sutured.

Nerve: Cervical branch of the facial nerve
Plan of the facial and intermediate nerves and their communication with other nerves. (Labeled at center bottom, as "Cervical".)
The nerves of the scalp, face, and side of neck. (Cervical labeled at center, in dark region under jaw.)
Latin	ramus colli nervi facialis
Gray's	subject #202 905
From	facial nerve