2. DefinitionDefinition
The fascial spaces in head and neck are theThe fascial spaces in head and neck are the
potential spaces between the various layers ofpotential spaces between the various layers of
fascia normally filled with loose connective tissuefascia normally filled with loose connective tissue
(Shapiro) and bounded by anatomical barriers,(Shapiro) and bounded by anatomical barriers,
usually of bone, muscle or fascial layers (Moore).usually of bone, muscle or fascial layers (Moore).
3. FASCIA OF HEAD AND NECKFASCIA OF HEAD AND NECK
SUPERFICIAL FASCIASUPERFICIAL FASCIA
DEEP CERVICAL FASCIADEEP CERVICAL FASCIA
A.A. ANTERIOR LAYERANTERIOR LAYER
1. Investing layer1. Investing layer
2. Parotideomesseteric2. Parotideomesseteric
3.Temporal3.Temporal
B. MIDDLE LAYERB. MIDDLE LAYER
1.Sternohyoid-omohyoid division1.Sternohyoid-omohyoid division
2.Sternothyroid-thyrohyoid division2.Sternothyroid-thyrohyoid division
3.Visceral division3.Visceral division
a. Buccopharyngeala. Buccopharyngeal
b. Pretrachealb. Pretracheal
c.Retropharyngealc.Retropharyngeal
C. POSTERIOR LAYERC. POSTERIOR LAYER
a. Alar Divisiona. Alar Division
b. Prevertebral divisionb. Prevertebral division
8. GRODINKSY & HOLYOKE
Space I Space II Space III Space IV
III IIIA
Space superficial
& deep to platysma
Space behind anterior layer
of deep cervical fascia
Pretracheal
space
Viscero- vascular
space
(Lincoln’s highway
- Mosher)
Danger space –
potential space
between alar &
prevertebral fascia
