Retrovisceral space
Encyclopedia
The retrovisceral space is divided into the retropharyngeal space
and the danger space
by the alar fascia
. It is of particular clinical importance because it is a main route by which oropharyngeal infections can spread into the mediastinum
.
Some sources say the retrovisceral space is the same as the retropharyngeal space.
Other sources say that the retrovisceral space is "continuous superiorly" with the retropharyngeal space.
Retropharyngeal space
The retropharyngeal space is a space bounded by the buccopharyngeal fascia anteriorly and the alar fascia posteriorly.It includes the retropharyngeal lymph nodes....
and 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....
by 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....
. It is of particular clinical importance because it is a main route by which oropharyngeal infections can spread into the mediastinum
Mediastinum
The mediastinum is a non-delineated group of structures in the thorax, surrounded by loose connective tissue. It is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity...
.
Some sources say the retrovisceral space is the same as the retropharyngeal space.
Other sources say that the retrovisceral space is "continuous superiorly" with the retropharyngeal space.
External links
- Thoracoscopic drainage with wound edge protector for descending necrotizing mediastinitis
- http://iris3.med.tufts.edu/headneck/spaces.htm