Retropharyngeal space extends from base of skull to:
Retropharyngeal space: It lies behind the pharynxbetween the buccopharyngeal fascia covering pharyngeal constrictor muscles and the pre vertebral fascia.
It extendsfrom the base of skull to the bifurcation of trachea.
Thespace is divided into two lateral compartments (spaces ofGillette) by a fibrous raphe.
Each lateral spacecontains retropharyngeal nodes which usually disappear at3-4 years of age.
Parapharyngeal space communicates withthe retropharyngeal space.
Infection of retropharyngealspace can pass down behind the oesophagus into themediastinum .
Hyoid bone
Bifurcation of trachea
Angle of mandible
Cricoid cartilage