This superficial neck muscle creates neck skin creases and tenses the neck.

• A. Trapezius
• B. Sternocleidomastoid
• C. Platysma
• D. Scalenes

Answer: (C)

Platysma is a thin, sheetlike muscle just under the skin of the neck that runs from the chest and shoulder area up to the lower face. When it contracts, it tenses the skin of the neck and can create the visible neck creases or bands you often see. That superficial, skin-tensing action is what makes it the best match for “creates neck skin creases and tenses the neck.”

The other muscles have different main roles: the trapezius moves and supports the shoulder and upper back, not primarily the neck skin; the sternocleidomastoid moves the head (flexes or rotates the neck) rather than tightening the neck skin; and the scalenes lie deeper and assist with neck stability and breathing, not surface neck skin tension.