Cervicofacial Continuum

Scalp · Face · Cervical fascia

Strong evidence at flat-muscle segments — dissection-confirmed
cervicofacial-continuum

Galea aponeurotica → SMAS → platysma → superficial cervical fascia → deep cervical fascia (carotid sheath)

Structures

Muscle references

FrontalisOccipitalisPlatysmaMasseter
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Documented as continuous superficial fascial planes specifically where flat mimetic muscles are present (galea, temporal fascia, platysma) — recent cadaveric dissection (Minelli et al. 2024, n=50) found this layer 3 is not continuous between all mimetic muscles, and argues against treating the SMAS as a single uniform anatomical entity. Described as fascial continuity along documented segments, not a tension line.

Sources

The Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System: Does It Really Exist as an Anatomical Entity?

Minelli L, van der Lei B, Mendelson BC · Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2024 · 50 cadaver heads, layered dissection + histology + sheet plastination