The retrovisceral space is divided into the

retropharyngeal space The retropharyngeal space (abbreviated as "RPS") is a potential space and deep compartment of the head and neck situated posterior to the pharynx. The RPS is bounded anteriorly by the buccopharyngeal fascia, posteriorly by the alar fascia, and la ...

and the

danger space The danger space or alar space, is a region of the neck. The common name originates from the risk that an infection in this space can spread directly to the thorax, and, due to being a space continuous on the left and right, can furthermore allow i ...

by the

alar fascia The alar fascia is a layer of fascia, sometimes described as part of the prevertebral fascia, and sometimes as in front of it. Anatomy Cranially, it reaches the skull, and caudally, it reaches the second thoracic vertebra. In 2015, the anatomy ...

. It is of particular clinical importance because it is a main route by which oropharyngeal infections can spread into the

mediastinum The mediastinum (from ) is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. Surrounded by loose connective tissue, it is an undelineated region that contains a group of structures within the thorax, namely the heart and its vessels, the esophagu ...

. Some sources say the retrovisceral space is the same as the retropharyngeal space. Other sources say that the retrovisceral space is "continuous superiorly" with the retropharyngeal space.

References

External links

Thoracoscopic drainage with wound edge protector for descending necrotizing mediastinitis
* http://iris3.med.tufts.edu/headneck/spaces.htm Human head and neck {{anatomy-stub