The Distribution of the Nerves and Arteries of the Platysma for Clinical Applications

Abstract

This study aimed to provide anatomical data on the platysma for clinical procedures. The authors obtained 25 specimens from 15 adult Korean cadavers (9 men, 6 women; mean age, 72 years; range, 61–85 years). Lines connecting the gonion with the gnathion (G-GN) and the acromial end (acromial end of the clavicle) with the sternal end (sternal end of the clavicle) were used as references. Modified Sihler staining was used to trace the nerves distributed in the platysma. The superior border values of the platysma were 12.1 ± 2.7 mm, 31.5 ± 5.3 mm, 42.4 ± 5.6 mm, and 61.7 ± 6.4 mm, respectively, for sections 2 through 5 on the G-GN line. The inferior border values of the platysma were 83.6 ± 19.1 mm, 80.1 ± 14.0 mm, 74.8 ± 14.5 mm, 67.2 ± 13.7 mm, and 54.6 ± 7.1 mm, respectively, for the 5 sections on the acromial end of the clavicle-sternal end of the clavicle line. In the hyoid bone, cricoid cartilage, and jugular notch, the mean distance between the bilateral platysma was 14.4 ± 2.2 mm, 22.6 ± 10.6 mm, and 51.1 ± 15.7 mm, respectively. The mean angle at the cervical branch of the facial nerve and the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle sternal head was 28.7 ± 2.6 degrees and 53.4 ± 7.7 degrees from the G-GN line, respectively. The upper third of the platysma was supplied by branches of the facial artery and submental artery. The middle third was supplied by branches of the occipital artery and received its direct blood supply from branches of the external carotid artery. The lower third was supplied by branches of the transverse cervical artery. The authors hope that the results of this study will be helpful for rejuvenation procedures of the neck.