Peripharyngeal Space

The parapharyngeal space (spatium parapharyngeum) is an anatomical term that is used to describe the space between the pharynx and the surrounding tissues. It is located in the front of the neck and extends from the base of the skull to the chest.

The peripharyngeal space is of great importance for the normal functioning of the body, as it provides protection to the organs and tissues of the pharynx, and is also the location of important anatomical structures such as lymph nodes, vessels and nerves.

The peripharyngeal space contains lymphatic vessels that collect lymph from the head, neck, face and upper chest. Lymph nodes located in this space play an important role in the body's immune system.

In addition, in the peripharyngeal space there are blood vessels, nerves and muscles that ensure the normal functioning of the organs of the pharynx and neck. Also located here are the salivary glands, which produce saliva and protect the throat from infections.

However, the peripharyngeal space can be susceptible to various diseases such as infections, tumors, injuries and other diseases. Therefore, it is important to know the anatomy of this space and its functions in order to avoid possible complications.

Thus, the peripharyngeal space plays an important role in the human body and its health. Knowledge of the anatomy and functions of this space can help doctors and healthcare professionals diagnose and treat various diseases associated with this area.

The peripharyngeal space (Latin spatium parapharyngeal; synonym: laryngeal enteric sinus, sinus parapharyngicus) is unpaired, located between the pharynx and pharynx, bounded below by the sublingual thyroid gland, transverse pharyngeal muscle, fascial layer of the pharynx, and on the side and above by the branches of the superior thyroid gland. According to Soldatov I.B. et al. (1988), the peripharyngeal fat layer forms the posterior arch of the thyroid cartilage, or, less likely, the peripharyngeal plate. The peripharyngeal tissue, together with the esophagus, forms the periglottic (sinus of Laring enteral) pouch (Anokhin V.N. (2004); Sinitsky V.Yu. (1873)). Above the sublingual space is the infraorbital part of the peripharyngeal space, then there is the maxillary part, covering the infraorbital fissure and the infraorbital foramen, and then the blind space, which continues into the pterygopalatine fossa. The mastoid process is located deep in the clivus of the skull. The lower surface of the jaw and the body of the jaw are covered by a mass of masticatory muscle, above which the innervation of the peripharyngeal tissue is located.