*Evidence-Based Reviewed Article
Many of you haven't heard of this muscle, but it is one that you should become familiar with if you have neck pain or stiffness
The platysma muscle, though often overshadowed by its larger and more robust neighbors, plays an important role in facial expression, neck tension, and overall musculoskeletal harmony (2). This thin, superficial muscle connects the lower jaw to the upper chest and has both functional and aesthetic significance.
What does Platysma muscle mean? The name Platysma comes from the Greek word platys, meaning “flat” or “broad,” which describes the muscle’s thin, sheet-like structure. The platysma is a superficial muscle that covers the front of the neck. It originates from the fascia of the chest and shoulder and extends upward to insert into the lower jaw (mandible) and the skin of the lower face. This muscle is primarily responsible for depressing the lower jaw and tensing the skin of the neck, contributing to facial expressions such as sadness or tension.
Where does the Platysma attach?
The platysma is a broad, thin sheet of muscle located in the superficial layer of the anterior neck. Its unique positioning and structure make it one of the most superficial muscles in the human body.
ORIGIN: The platysma originates from the fascia covering the superior portions of the pectoralis major and deltoid muscles.
INSERTION: The fibers extend upward and medially, inserting into the lower border of the mandible, the skin, and subcutaneous tissues of the lower face.
INNERVATION:: It is innervated by the cervical branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), linking it to the intricate network of facial expressions.
BLOOD SUPPLY: The muscle receives blood from branches of the submental and suprascapular arteries.
What actions does the Platysma muscle do?
The platysma muscle primarily functions to depress the lower jaw (mandible), assisting in opening the mouth. It also plays a key role in facial expressions by tensing the skin of the neck and pulling the corners of the mouth downward, contributing to expressions of sadness, fear, or tension.
In the case of the platysma, because it is a thin, superficial muscle, its primary function is not to create movement of the neck but rather to assist in facial expressions and slight jaw movements. The platysma works in coordination with other muscles to maintain the contour of the neck and lower face. Tightness or weakness in the platysma can contribute to visible neck bands and sagging skin over time.. When the platysma contracts, it pulls the corners of the mouth downward and tightens the skin of the neck, which is important for expressions of tension or sadness (1).
Since the platysma extends from the fascia of the chest and shoulder up to the lower jaw and face, its length can change depending on head and neck positioning. When the neck is extended (looking upward), the platysma is stretched, and when the jaw is clenched or the mouth is forcibly opened, it contracts. Because the platysma is a broad, flat muscle without strong bony attachments, it does not independently rotate or laterally flex the neck like deeper muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid.
In addition to its role in facial expressions, the platysma also serves a function in stabilizing the skin and soft tissues of the lower face and neck. Over time, as the skin loses elasticity and the platysma weakens, it can contribute to the appearance of vertical neck bands and sagging skin (3). Due to its superficial nature and attachment to the skin rather than deep skeletal structures, the platysma is more difficult to isolate and stretch compared to deeper neck muscles. However, maintaining strength and flexibility in surrounding muscles, including the platysma, can help support a youthful and toned neck appearance.
You can utilize both self massage and stretching to help manipulate this muscle to relax and release tension.
Self Massage
Using gentle massage techniques can help release tension in the platysma:
Finger Glide Massage: Place your fingertips at the base of your neck and gently glide them upward toward the jawline. Repeat for about 30 seconds.
Pinch and Lift: Gently pinch the skin along the sides of your neck and lift it slightly. Hold for a few seconds before releasing.
Knuckle Roll: Use your knuckles to gently roll along the sides of your neck, moving from the chest toward the jaw.
Stretching Exercises
Platysma Stretch: Open your mouth wide and stretch your lower lip downward while tilting your head back. Hold for 10-15 seconds and repeat 2-3 times.
Chin Tucks: Sit or stand tall, tuck your chin slightly toward your chest while maintaining a straight spine. Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times.
Jaw Openers: Slowly open your mouth as wide as possible, then close it gently. Repeat 10 times.
For a video on how to work on the Platsyma, click the button below.
Sources
Hoefflin, Steven M. "Anatomy of the platysma and lip depressor muscles: A simplified mnemonic approach." Dermatologic surgery 24.11 (1998): 1225-1231.
Hoerter, Jacob E., and Bhupendra C. Patel. "Anatomy, head and neck, platysma." (2019).
Pogrel, M. A., et al. "Anatomic evaluation of anterior platysma muscle." International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery 23.3 (1994): 170-173.
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