(ON BOTH SIDES) Clean and reflect the platysma muscle.

  1. Remove the superficial fascia to expose the platysma muscle from the body of the mandible to the clavicles. (G 8.1;N 25;Gl 38.1B)
  2. Blunt dissect under the platysma at the clavicle and carefully reflect the platysma in the superior direction. You may need to use the back side of your scalpel blade to separate the platysma from the underlying deep (investing) fascia of the neck.
  3. (ON THE RIGHT SIDE ONLY) Completely remove the platysma from the neck on the same side of the cadaver as the artery, vein and cutaneous nerve facial dissection.
    (ON THE LEFT SIDE ONLY) On the opposite side, attempt to leave some of the platysma attached to the body of the mandible (ideally with the attached cervical branch of the facial nerve).
Platysma Muscle
Platysma Muscle Reflected

Overview