Danger space
Updates to Article Attributes
Body
was changed:
The danger space is a potential space located behind the true retropharyngeal space, which connects the deep cervical spaces to the mediastinum.
Gross anatomy
Boundaries
- anteriorly - alar fascia
- posteriorly - prevertebral layer of the deep cervical fascia
- superiorly -
extends from theclivus - inferiorly - posterior mediastinum at the level of the diaphragm
It is a potential path for spread of infections from the pharynx to the mediastinum. In healthy patients, it is indistinguishable from the retropharyngeal space. It is only visible when distended by fluid or pus, below the level of T1-T6, since the retropharyngeal space variably ends at this level.
Related pathology
-<p>The <strong>danger space</strong> is a potential space located behind the true <a href="/articles/retropharyngeal-space">retropharyngeal space</a>, which connects the deep <a href="/articles/cervical-spaces">cervical spaces</a> to the <a href="/articles/mediastinum">mediastinum</a>. </p><h4>Gross anatomy</h4><h5>Boundaries</h5><ul>- +<p>The <strong>danger space</strong> is a potential space located behind the true <a href="/articles/retropharyngeal-space">retropharyngeal space</a>, which connects the <a title="Deep spaces of the head and neck" href="/articles/deep-spaces-of-the-head-and-neck">deep cervical spaces</a> to the <a href="/articles/mediastinum">mediastinum</a>. </p><h4>Gross anatomy</h4><h5>Boundaries</h5><ul>
-<li>posteriorly - <a href="/articles/prevertebral-fascia">prevertebral fascia</a>- +<li>posteriorly - <a title="deep cervical fascia" href="/articles/deep-cervical-fascia">prevertebral layer of the deep cervical fascia</a>
-<li>superiorly - extends from the clivus</li>- +<li>superiorly - clivus</li>
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