Platysma muscle

Platysma muscle
The platysma is visible, with skin removed.
The muscles of the face, platysma visible at bottom right.
Details
OriginSubcutaneous tissue of infraclavicular and supraclavicular regions
InsertionBase of mandible; skin of cheek and lower lip; angle of mouth; orbicularis oris
ArteryBranches of the submental artery and suprascapular artery
NerveCervical branch of the facial nerve
ActionsDraws the corners of the mouth inferiorly and widens it (as in expressions of sadness and fright). Also draws the skin of the neck superiorly when teeth are clenched
AntagonistMasseter muscle, temporalis muscle
Identifiers
Latinplatysma
TA98A04.2.01.001
TA22147
FMA45738
Anatomical terms of muscle

The platysma muscle is a superficial muscle of the human neck that overlaps the sternocleidomastoid. It covers the anterior surface of the neck superficially. When it contracts, it produces a slight wrinkling of the neck, and a "bowstring" effect on either side of the neck.