Parapharyngeal space

Spatium parapharyngeum

  • Latin synonym: Spatium lateropharyngeum; Spatium pharyngeum laterale
  • Synonym: Lateral pharyngeal space
  • Related terms: Parapharyngeal space; Lateral pharyngeal space

Definition

The parapharyngeal space (also termed the lateral pharyngeal space or prestyloid parapharyngeal space), shaped like a cone or a pyramid, inverted with its base at the sphenoid bone, with its apex inferiorly pointing to the greater cornu of the hyoid bone. It occupies the space between muscles of mastication and the muscles of deglutition. 

The term parapharyngeal space is widely used as a synonym of the lateral pharyngeal space, but the definition of the parapharyngeal space remains unclear because:

  • In some sources the lateral pharyngeal space is divided into 2 parts by the fascial condensation called aponeurosis of Zuckerkandl and Testut, joining the styloid process to the tensor veli palatini. These two compartments are named the pre-styloid and post-styloid compartments but then post-styloid is a synonym of the suprahyoid part of carotid space.
  • In other sources, the parapharyngeal space refers to the continuation of the lateral pharyngeal space and the retropharyngeal space. 

So, here is described the lateral pharyngeal space, excluding the postyloid part of the paraphraryngeal space (so a lesion arising in the lateral pharygneal space space will displace the carotid space posteriorly and/or is completely surrounded by parapharyngeal space fat). 

Boundaries:

  • The superior aspect is the base of skull (sphenoid and temporal bones). This area includes the jugular and hypoglossal canal and the foramen lacerum (through which the internal carotid artery passes superiorly across).
  • The medial aspect is made up of the pharynx.
  • Anteriorly it is bordered by the pterygomandibular raphe.
  • Posteriorly it is bordered by carotid sheath posteriolaterally and the retropharyngeal space posteriomedially.
  • The lateral aspect is more involved, and is bordered by the ramus of the mandible, the deep lobe of the parotid gland, the medial pterygoid muscle, and below the level of the mandible, the lateral aspect is bordered by the fascia of the posterior belly of digastric muscle.
  • These anatomical boundaries make it continuous with the retropharyngeal space. It also communicates with other cervical and cranial fascial spaces, as well as the mediastinum. 

Relations

  • medial to the masticator space
  • lateral to the pharyngeal mucosal space
  • anterior to the prevertebral space
  • posterior to the retropharyngeal space 

Contents:

  • glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)
  • Vagus nerve (X) together with
  • Internal carotid artery
  • Internal jugular vein in the carotid sheath
  • Accessory nerve (XI)
  • Hypoglossal (XII)
  • Sympathetic trunk and superior cervical ganglion of the trunk
  • Ascending pharyngeal artery
  • Deep cervical lymph nodes
This definition incorporates text from the wikipedia website - Wikipedia: The free encyclopedia. (2004, July 22). FL: Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. Retrieved August 10, 2004, from http://www.wikipedia.org Text by Antoine Micheau, MD - Copyright IMAIOS

Comparative anatomy in animals

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