Buccal space

Last revised by Tariq Walizai on 19 Sep 2024

The buccal space, also known as the buccinator space, is one of the seven suprahyoid deep compartments of the head and neck.

Gross anatomy 

The buccal spaces are paired fat-containing spaces on each side of the face forming the cheeks. Each space is enveloped by the superficial (investing) layer of the deep cervical fascia.

It is located between the buccinator and platysma muscles, therefore it is only a small potential space with limited contents.

Contents
Boundaries and relations
Communications

Buccal space infection can spread to/from the teeth. There is no real boundary between the buccal space and the submandibular space inferiorly. There is also potential communication with the pterygomandibular region, infratemporal space, and the parapharyngeal space posteriorly.

Related pathology

Cases and figures

  • Figure 1: in orange on annotated MRI
  • Figure 2: buccal space - annotated MRI
  • Figure 3: a buccal space mass
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