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.
Open in 3D ViewerCommon 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

Chin To Chest Stretch
beginner


Isometric Neck Exercise - Front And Back
beginner·Bodyweight


Isometric Neck Exercise - Sides
beginner·Bodyweight


Lying Face Down Plate Neck Resistance
intermediate·other


Lying Face Up Plate Neck Resistance
intermediate·other


Neck-SMR
intermediate·other


Seated Head Harness Neck Resistance
intermediate·other


Side Neck Stretch
beginner
Also Works platysma
1Related 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

