Which muscle is typically retracted during a thyroidectomy?

During a thyroidectomy, the sternocleidomastoid muscle is typically retracted to provide the surgeon with better visibility and access to the thyroid gland. This muscle, which is located on either side of the neck, runs from the sternum and clavicle up to the mastoid process behind the ear. Retracting this muscle allows for a clearer surgical field and helps to avoid any damage to nearby structures such as the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which is critical for vocal function, and the parathyroid glands, which are crucial for calcium regulation in the body.

The other muscles listed do not play as significant a role during this specific surgical procedure. The scalenus muscles are located more posteriorly and laterally, and while they may be involved in other surgical procedures in the neck, they are not typically retracted during thyroid surgeries. The trapezius muscle, primarily involved in movements of the shoulder and neck, is not directly involved in the surgical access to the thyroid gland. The platysma, a superficial muscle, may be affected by the incision but is not usually retracted in the same manner as the sternocleidomastoid during the operation.