1. PARAPHARYNGEAL and RETROPHARYNGEAL SPACES
Prof. Peter Stanko, MD, PhD
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dpt. of Stomatology & Maxillofacial Surgery
Comenius University, St Elisabeth Hospital

2. PHARYNX (Slov. hltan)
Muscular AP oval tube lined with mucous membrane, 12 – 14 cm long
(basis cranii → lower margin of cart. cricoidea, C 6)
Function – both digestive + respiratory
PARTS - epipharynx (nasopharynx)
- oropharynx (palatal tonsil)
- hypopharynx (laryngopharynx,
below epiglottis).
Pharynx continues in oesophagus.

3. Parapharyngeal space
The parapharyngeal space is a rim which lies dorsolaterally from the pharynx.
Extent: from base of the scull
to level of the hyoid bone.
Space: quite large
Clinical importance
Continues caudally to the paraoesophageal space.

4. Retropharyngeal space
Retropharyngeal space is housed dorsally within right and left parapharyngeal spaces.
Extend: from base of the scull to level of the hyoid bone.
Space: very narrow
Clinical importance
Continues caudally to the retroesophageal space.

5. PARAPHAR. and RETROPHAR. SPACES - axial crosscut, level of the mandible

6. Sagittal crosscut through mouth and neck

7. Parapharyngeal space - continue
The parapharyngeal space communicates
in horizontal direction:
► Directly with
pterygomandibular spaces (from lower wisdom tooth) and
paratonsillar space;
► Indirectly with anterior mandibular spaces
(submandibular and submental triangles)

9. Indirect communication of paraphar
Indirect communication of paraphar. space with anterior mandibular spaces (submandibular and submental triangles)

10. Parapharyngeal space - CONTENT
From outside in the depth:
Skin, fascias (lamina superf. fasciae cervicalis etc.)
Muscles (platysma, SCM)
Nodi lymphatici cerv. profundi
Vagina carotica (carotid sheat = a. carotis commun., v. jugularis int., n. vagus X)

11. PARAPHAR. and RETROPHAR. SPACES - axial crosscut, level of the mandible

12. PARAPHAR. and RETROPHAR
PARAPHAR. and RETROPHAR. SPACES - axial crosscut, level of cervical vertebra C 6

13. Parapharyngeal space - continue
The parapharyngeal space communicates
in vertical direction:
along carotid sheat (contains a. carotis communis, v. jugularis int., n. vagus X)
with anterior mediastinum
by the oesophagus
with middle mediastinum.

14. Mediastinum