Retropharyngeal space
Encyclopedia
The retropharyngeal space is a space bounded by the buccopharyngeal fascia
anteriorly and the alar fascia
posteriorly.
It includes the retropharyngeal lymph nodes
.
Because serious infections of teeth can spread down this space into the posterior mediastinum
, it is often confused with the danger space
. The danger space is actually between the alar fascia and the prevertebral fascia and extends from the cranial base above to the level of the diaphragm.
If more than half of the size of the C2 vertebra, it may indicate retropharyngeal abscess
.
, and below where the alar fascia fuses with the buccopharyngeal fascia at about the level of T4 and the carina.
Relations of the retropharyngeal space:
Buccopharyngeal fascia
Parallel to the carotid sheath and along its medial aspect the prevertebral fascia gives off a thin lamina, the buccopharyngeal fascia, which closely invests the constrictor muscles of the pharynx and is continued forward from the constrictor pharyngis superior onto the buccinator.It is attached to...
anteriorly and the alar fascia
Alar fascia
The alar fascia is a layer of fascia, sometimes described as part of the prevertebral fascia, and sometimes as in front of it.Anteriorly, it reaches the skull, and caudally, it reaches the second thoracic vertebra....
posteriorly.
It includes the retropharyngeal lymph nodes
Retropharyngeal lymph nodes
The retropharyngeal lymph nodes, from one to three in number, lie in the buccopharyngeal fascia, behind the upper part of the pharynx and in front of the arch of the atlas, being separated, however, from the latter by the Longus capitis....
.
Because serious infections of teeth can spread down this space into the posterior mediastinum
Posterior mediastinum
The posterior mediastinum is an irregular triangular space running parallel with the vertebral column.-Boundaries:It is bounded:* anteriorly by the pericardium * inferiorly by the thoracic surface of the diaphragm ....
, it is often confused with the danger space
Danger space
-Anatomy:It is bounded superiorly by the skull base, anteriorly by the alar fascia and posteriorly by the prevertebral fascia. It comes to an end at the level of the diaphragm....
. The danger space is actually between the alar fascia and the prevertebral fascia and extends from the cranial base above to the level of the diaphragm.
Clinical significance
A midline raphae is present in this space making some infections appear unilateral. However without treatment infections can easily spread from one space to the adjacent space.If more than half of the size of the C2 vertebra, it may indicate retropharyngeal abscess
Retropharyngeal abscess
Most commonly seen in infants and young children, retropharyngeal abscess is an abscess located in the tissues in the back of the throat behind the posterior pharyngeal wall . Because RPA's typically occur in deep tissue, they are difficult to diagnose by physical examination alone...
.
Relations
It is limited above by the base of the skullHuman skull
The human skull is a bony structure, skeleton, that is in the human head and which supports the structures of the face and forms a cavity for the brain.In humans, the adult skull is normally made up of 22 bones...
, and below where the alar fascia fuses with the buccopharyngeal fascia at about the level of T4 and the carina.
Relations of the retropharyngeal space:
- Superior: Base of the skullBase of the skullThe base of skull is the most inferior area of the skull, composed of the endocranium and lower parts of the skull roof.-Bones:*Ethmoid bone*Sphenoid bone*Occipital bone*Frontal bone*Parietal bone*Temporal bone**Petrous portion of the temporal bone...
- Inferior: Superior mediastinumSuperior mediastinumThe superior mediastinum is that portion of the interpleural space which lies between the manubrium sterni in front, and the upper thoracic vertebrae behind.-Boundaries:It is bounded:* superiorly by the thoracic inlet, the upper opening of the thorax...
- Lateral: Carotid sheathCarotid sheathThe carotid sheath is an anatomical term for the fibrous connective tissue that surrounds the vascular compartment of the neck. It is part of the deep cervical fascia of the neck, below the superficial cervical fascia meaning the subcutaneous adipose tissue immediately beneath the skin.The deep...
- Anterior: PharynxPharynxThe human pharynx is the part of the throat situated immediately posterior to the mouth and nasal cavity, and anterior to the esophagus and larynx. The human pharynx is conventionally divided into three sections: the nasopharynx , the oropharynx , and the laryngopharynx...
- Posterior: Alar fasciaAlar fasciaThe alar fascia is a layer of fascia, sometimes described as part of the prevertebral fascia, and sometimes as in front of it.Anteriorly, it reaches the skull, and caudally, it reaches the second thoracic vertebra....