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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 .
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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 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.
At the base of this recess is the retropharyngeal lymph node (the node of Rouvière). This is clinically significant in that it may be involved in certain head and neck cancers , notably nasopharyngeal cancer .
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]
The authors revealed that the alar fascia originated as a well defined midline structure at the level of C1 and does not reach the base of the skull. It is suggested that the area between C1 and the base of the skull is a potential entry into the danger space. [4]
Enlarged adenoids can become nearly the size of a ping pong ball and completely block airflow through the nasal passages. Even if enlarged adenoids are not substantial enough to physically block the back of the nose, they can obstruct airflow enough so that nasal breathing requires an uncomfortable amount of work, and inhalation occurs instead through mouth breathing.