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The retropharyngeal space (abbreviated as "RPS" [1] [2]) is a potential space [2] [3] and deep compartment of the head and neck [1] situated posterior to the pharynx. [4] The RPS is bounded anteriorly by the buccopharyngeal fascia, posteriorly by the alar fascia, and laterally by the carotid sheath.
Retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) is an abscess located in the tissues in the back of the throat behind the posterior pharyngeal wall (the retropharyngeal space).Because RPAs typically occur in deep tissue, they are difficult to diagnose by physical examination alone.
The carotid sheath is situated at each lateral boundary of the retropharyngeal space, [3] deep to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. [ 2 ] : 579 [ 3 ] [ 2 ] The pharynx is situated medial to the carotid sheath, (in the suprahyoid region) the parotid gland laterally to it, in the suprahyoid region the infratemporal fossa anterior to it, and the ...
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. Their afferents drain the nasal cavities, the nasal part of the pharynx, and the auditory tubes.
The retropharyngeal space is found anterior to the danger space, between the alar fascia and buccopharyngeal fascia. There exists a midline raphe in this space so some infections of this space appear unilateral. The retropharyngeal space drains into the superior mediastinum, whereas the danger space drains into the posterior mediastinum.
It is attached to the prevertebral fascia by loose connective tissue, with the retropharyngeal space found between them. [citation needed] It may also be attached to the alar fascia posteriorly at C3 and C6 levels. [5]
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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. [1]