ANATOMY - Fascial Spaces and the Spread of Infection Flashcards
what is the Fascia?
the sheets of fibrous connective tissue beneath the skin
what are the fascial planes?
the sheets of connective tissue generate layers aka planes
what is the fascial space?
the volume of tissue and structure between each fascial layer
define communication.
the connections between fascial spaces which allow infection to spread
in the head, what are the 5 common sites for initial spread of infection?
- maxillary sinus
- sublingual space
- submandibular space
- vestibular space
- buccal space
what are the 8 spaces for infection to spread?
- vestibular space
- buccal space
- lateral pharyngeal space
- retropharyngeal space
- pterygomandibular space
- masticator space
- submandibular space
- sublingual space
where is the buccinator muscle?
what fascia is the buccal muscle covered by?
buccopharyngeal fascia
what is the purpose of the buccinator?
to keep food bolus on the molars
describe which nearby structures are next to the buccinator muscle
pteryogomandibular raphe
superior constrictor
where is the buccinator in relation to the maxillary sinus?
more lateral
where is the vestibular space?
between the buccinator and oral mucosa in the cheek
describe the structure of the pharynx.
superior constrictor
middle constrictor
inferior constrictor
where is the lateral pharyngeal space?
top of the neck
what 3 things are the lateral pharyngeal space continuous with?
retromandibular space - posteriorly
buccal space - anteriorly
pterygomandibular space - laterally
what can an infection to the lateral pharyngeal space cause?
IJV thrombosis
carotid rupture
describe where the retropharyngeal space is.
posterior to pharynx
between buccopharyngeal and preverterbral fascia
inferior to thorax
how can a retropharyngeal abscess be caused?
- bacterial infection from tonsil, throat, sinus and nose
- HIV
- TB
- retropharyngeal lymph nodes
how can a retropharyngeal abscess be detected?
- mediastinitis
- pericarditis
- cardiac tamponade
- bronchial erosion
- airway obstruction
- spread to carotid sheath
- spread to prevertrebal fascia and erosion of vertebrae
how are retropharyngeal abscesses treated?
antibiotics
surgical draining
describe where the medial pterygoid is in relation to the mandible and inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle.
what are the pterygoid muscles contained within?
the infratemporal fossa
where is the infra temporal fossa located?
mandible - posterior
lateral pyteryogid plate - lateral
styloid apparatus - anterior
what does the infratemporal fossa contain?
pterygoid muscles
maxillary artery
pteryoid plexus of veins
what does the infratemporal fossa communicate with?
zygomatic arch and submandibular space
what muscles does the masticator space contain?
masseter
temporalis
lateral and medial pterygoid
what spaces are within the masticator space?
infratemporal fossa
pterygomandibular space
temporal space
what spaces does the masticator space communicate with?
- buccal
- lateral pharyngeal
- retropharyngeal
- submandibular
- sublingual
where is the submandibular space?
inferior to the mylohoid space
what does an infected submandibular space appear as?
swellings in the upper neck
where is the sublingual space?
inferior to oral mucosa in floor of the mouth
what is Ludwig’s Angina?
aetiology
prognosis
cause of death?
from dental infection mandibular molar teeth or tongue piercings
lead to gangrenous bacterial cellulitis in submandibular/sublingual space
death by airway obstruction
give an overview of the fascial spaces
