The retropharyngeal space (RPS) is an anatomical region that spans from the base of the skull to the mediastinum. Its location is anterior to the prevertebral muscles and posterior to the pharynx and esophagus.
Is retropharyngeal space a danger space?
The danger space is a deep compartment of the head and neck located behind the true retropharyngeal space, extending from the skull base to the mediastinum.
What does the retropharyngeal space contain?
The retropharyngeal space (between the posterior pharyngeal wall and the prevertebral layer of deep cervical fascia) contains loose connective tissue and lymph nodes that drain the nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, middle ear, teeth, and adjacent bones.
What is the only space the retropharyngeal space communicates with?
The retropharyngeal space
It is continuous with the parapharyngeal space anteriorly and the sublingual space. The retropharyngeal space runs between the base of the skull to the level of the seconds thoracic vertebra where the fascial layers fuse.
Is retropharyngeal life threatening?
Retropharyngeal abscess is a collection of pus in the tissues in the back of the throat. It can be a life-threatening medical condition.
Why is danger space called so?
The danger space or alar space, is a region of the neck. The common name originates from the risk that an infection in this space can spread directly to the thorax, and, due to being a space continuous on the left and right, can furthermore allow infection to spread easily to either side.
What causes parapharyngeal abscess?
Parapharyngeal abscesses are incorporated into a group of infections known as deep neck infections. 1, 2 These infections generally occur due to nontraumatic reasons in young children, such as a prior throat infection or an infection of dental origin that has seeded into the deeper tissue structures and lymph nodes.
Where is the danger space?
The danger space is immediately posterior to the retropharyngeal space and immediately anterior to the prevertebral space, between the alar and prevertebral divisions of the deep layer of the deep cervical fascia. It extends from the skull base to the posterior mediastinum and diaphragm.
What causes a retropharyngeal abscess?
What Causes a Retropharyngeal Abscess? A retropharyngeal abscess happens when bacteria grow in the lymph nodes behind the throat. Lymph nodes help fight infections by removing germs, but sometimes they can’t keep up. When they happen in kids, retropharyngeal abscesses are most common in those under 5 years old.
Why Suprasternal space is called space of Burns?
The suprasternal space, which is also known as the “Burns space,” is a narrow space between the superficial and deep layers of the investing layers of the deep cervical fascia superior to the manubrium of the sternum (13).
What causes retropharyngeal edema?
Pathology. Retropharyngeal abscesses are thought to result as a complication of a primary infection elsewhere in the head and neck including the nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, or middle ear (e.g. otitis), which in turn drain lymph to (among others) the retropharyngeal lymph nodes.
Where is the parapharyngeal space?
The parapharyngeal space is in the deep tissues of the neck and contains mostly fat, as well as blood vessels (including the carotid artery and jugular vein), nerves, lymph nodes, and parts of the salivary gland.
What are fascial spaces?
Fascial spaces (also termed fascial tissue spaces or tissue spaces) are potential spaces that exist between the fasciae and underlying organs and other tissues. In health, these spaces do not exist; they are only created by pathology, e.g. the spread of pus or cellulitis in an infection.
