Preepiglottic Space

The preepiglottic space is the space between the contour of the epiglottis and the anterior contour of the neck on a lateral radiograph. This space is of great importance in the diagnosis of neck diseases, since changes in its size may indicate the presence of certain pathological processes.

In order to understand the importance of the preepiglottic space in the diagnosis of neck diseases, it is necessary to understand its anatomy. The epiglottis is a protrusion on the back of the pharynx, located at the level of the upper cervical vertebrae. It is formed by lymphoid tissue and plays an important role in protecting the body from infections. The anterior neck contour is the contour formed by the muscles and bony structures of the neck.

On a radiograph taken in a lateral projection, the preepiglottic space is presented as a dark stripe between the contours of the epiglottis and the anterior contour of the neck. The normal dimensions of the preepiglottic space range from 1 to 5 mm. An increase in the size of this space may indicate the presence of various pathological processes.

One of the most common causes of enlargement of the preepiglottic space is lymphadenopathy - enlargement of the lymph nodes in the larynx and neck. This can be caused by infectious, inflammatory or neoplastic processes. Another reason for enlargement of the preepiglottic space may be a tumor of the epiglottis.

Narrowing of the preepiglottic space can be caused by various reasons, such as osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, displacement of the cervical vertebrae, or disruption of the shape of the sternocleidomastoid joint.

Thus, measuring the size of the preepiglottic space on a radiograph taken in a lateral projection is an important diagnostic method for suspected various neck diseases. It should be noted that this method is not specific and requires additional research to clarify the diagnosis.

**Preepiglottic space (English preepiglottic space, Latin spatium preepiglottidis)** is an anatomical region that is formed by the bony contour of the anterior and lateral edges of the thyroid cartilage. It is a depression in the thyroid fascia in front of the anterior edge of the thyroid opening. Due to the need to obtain deep tomographic images during ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, the prevertebral space may be