RHINOPHARYNX AND DEEP SPACES OF THE FACE - ANATOMY AND APPLICATIONS IN DISEASE

Deep facial spaces are anatomicaly delineated by the layers of deep ce rvical fascia. They are located between the skull base and the hyoid b one, Each space contains specific anatomic structures, which can be re sponsible for specific pathologic processes. Deep facial spaces can be divised in two medial odd spaces (pharyngeal mucosal and retropharyng eal spaces), and in three lateral even spaces (retrostylian, prestylia n, and masticator spaces). The dividing of these core tissues are usef ul for the analysis of the lesions found in this area. CT scan and MRI (with axial and coronal views) provide precise analysis. The main les ions are: - medialy, adenoidal hyperplasias and squamous cell carcinom as (pharyngeal mucosal space), adenopathies and abcess (retropharyngea l space). - lateraly, salivary tumors (prestylian space), adenopathies , schwannomas and paragangliomas (retrostylian space). Masticator spac e (and especially pterygopalatine fossa) is an important way of commun ication and is often involved by the extension of locoregional patholo gic processes.