platysma

noun

pla·​tys·​ma plə-ˈtiz-mə How to pronounce platysma (audio)
plural platysmata -mət-ə How to pronounce platysma (audio) also platysmas
: a broad thin layer of muscle that is situated on each side of the neck immediately under the superficial fascia belonging to the group of facial muscles, that is innervated by the facial nerve, and that draws the lower lip and the corner of the mouth to the side and down and when moved forcefully expands the neck and draws its skin upward
platysmal adjective

Dictionary Entries Near platysma

Cite this Entry

“Platysma.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/platysma. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!