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Retrovisceral Space
The retrovisceral space is divided into the retropharyngeal space and the danger space by the 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. Anatomy Cranially, it reaches the skull, and caudally, it reaches the second thoracic vertebra. In 2015, the anatomy .... 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. References External links Thoracoscopic drainage with wound edge protector for descending necrotizing mediastinitis* http://iris3.med.tufts.edu/headneck/spaces.htm Human head and neck {{anatomy-stub ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Retropharyngeal Space
The retropharyngeal space (abbreviated as "RPS") is a potential space and deep compartment of the head and neck situated posterior to the pharynx. The RPS is bounded anteriorly by the buccopharyngeal fascia, posteriorly by the alar fascia, and laterally by the carotid sheath. It spans from the base of the skull superiorly to the mediastinum inferiorly. It contains the retropharyngeal lymph nodes. Sources consider the retropharyngeal space to be in principle subdivided into the so-called "true retropharyngeal space" or "retropharyngeal space proper" (part of the RSP situated anterior to the alar fascia), and the danger space (part of the RSP situated posterior to the alar fascia). The danger space is sometimes also lumped together with the true RPS and the whole referred to as the RPS because the alar fascia is an ineffective barrier. Infections from the head and neck can spread down through the danger space into the posterior mediastinum. Anatomy Superiorly, the retropharingeal sp ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Danger Space
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. Structure It is bounded at the top by the skull base, at the front by the alar fascia and behind by the prevertebral fascia. It comes to an end at the level of the diaphragm. 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. Clinical significance On CT or MRI it is only visible when distended by fluid or pus, below the level of T1-T6, as the retropharyngeal space ends at this level, allowing distinction between the two entities. Superior spread of infection can affect the contents of the carotid sheath, including the internal jugular ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
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. Anatomy Cranially, it reaches the skull, and caudally, it reaches the second thoracic vertebra. In 2015, the anatomy of the alar fascia was revisited using dissection in conjunction with E12 plastination. 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. Anatomical relations The alar fascia represents the posterior boundary of the retropharyngeal space The retropharyngeal space (abbreviated as "RPS") is a potential space and deep compartment of the head and neck situated posterior to the pharynx. The RPS is bounded anteriorly by the buccopharyngeal fascia, posteriorly by the alar fascia, and la .... See also * Retrovisceral space Referen ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Mediastinum
The mediastinum (from ) is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. Surrounded by loose connective tissue, it is an undelineated region that contains a group of structures within the thorax, namely the heart and its vessels, the esophagus, the trachea, the phrenic nerve, phrenic and cardiac nerves, the thoracic duct, the thymus and the lymph nodes of the central chest. Anatomy The mediastinum lies within the thorax and is enclosed on the right and left by pulmonary pleurae, pleurae. It is surrounded by the chest wall in front, the lungs to the sides and the Spine (anatomy), spine at the back. It extends from the sternum in front to the vertebral column behind. It contains all the organs of the thorax except the lungs. It is continuous with the loose connective tissue of the neck. The mediastinum can be divided into an upper (or superior) and lower (or inferior) part: * The superior mediastinum starts at the superior thoracic aperture and ends at the #Thoracic plane, t ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |