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Muscles/Neck

Neck

platysma

plah-TIZ-mah

The platysma is a thin sheet-like muscle under the chin and neck skin, depressing the jaw and lower lip for expressions. Helps in neck stability during shrugs. Fitness note: resists 'neck bands' with age.

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Common Pain & Injury

Strain from yawning or grimacing; rare, but see doc for neck weakness.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

Superficial fascia over deltoids and pectorals (skin over shoulders/chest)

Insertion

Lower jaw (mandible), skin of lower face, hyoid

Actions

  • Depresses jaw (lowers bottom lip)
  • Tenses neck skin

Innervation

Cervical branch of facial nerve

Muscle Relationships

Antagonists

Risorius

Synergists

Depressor anguli oris

Trigger Points

Few; refers to jaw and anterior neck.

Stretches

1Platysma neck stretch
2Lion's breath yoga
3Neck extensor stretch

Common Conditions

Platysma strainCervical dystonia

Anatomical Parts

Right platysmaLeft platysma

FAQ

What is platysma?

Broad neck muscle for facial expression and jaw depression.

Platysma function?

Pulls mouth corners down and tenses neck skin.

Platysma neck bands?

Aging weakens it, causing sagging; exercises help.

Stretch platysma?

Wide yawn or lion pose stretches it.

Exercises for platysma

8

Also Works platysma

1

Related Neck Muscles

arytenoid cartilage
Paired laryngeal cartilages in throat enabling voice production via vocal cord movement. Not muscle but closest for neck; singers train supporting muscles. Vital for breathing/speaking.
Ascending part of right trapezius
The ascending part of the right trapezius is the uppermost portion of the trapezius muscle on the right side, running from the base of the skull and upper cervical spine up toward the clavicle and shoulder. It elevates the scapula (shoulder blade) and assists in neck extension and rotation, crucial for shrugging movements and maintaining upright posture during lifts. Strong ascending traps prevent neck strain in overhead presses and rows.
cervical rotator
Cervical rotators are deep neck muscles like obliquus capitis inferior and splenius cervicis that turn the head side-to-side. Located deep in the upper cervical spine, they enable rotation for looking over shoulder. Vital for neck mobility in sports and daily turns.
cricothyroid
The cricothyroid is a small intrinsic laryngeal muscle in the anterior neck, tensing vocal cords for higher pitch. Located between cricoid and thyroid cartilages, it's key for singing and speaking. Matters for vocal athletes like singers.
digastric
The digastric has anterior and posterior bellies under the jaw, opening the mouth by depressing mandible. Runs from mandible to mastoid via sling, key for chewing and yawning.
geniohyoid
Thin neck muscle under chin pulling hyoid forward/up, geniohyoid aids swallowing and tongue movement. Supports neck stability in planks.
hyoglossus
The hyoglossus is a thin tongue muscle running from the hyoid bone (under chin) up into the tongue's side. It depresses and retracts the tongue, aiding swallowing and speech. Rarely targeted in fitness, but dysfunction affects eating and breathing mechanics.
iliocostalis cervicis
Iliocostalis cervicis is the neck portion of the erector spinae, running vertically along upper back to cervical ribs. It extends and laterally bends the neck, vital for posture in overhead lifts and sports. Supports head stability in fitness.

Neck Pain Guide

Common causes and relief

Activities & Sports

See which activities use platysma

Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide