Buccopharyngeal fascia

Buccopharyngeal Fascia

Illustration of the buccopharyngeal fascia

The buccopharyngeal fascia is a layer of connective tissue that is part of the fascia of the head and neck. It is an important anatomical structure that plays a role in separating and supporting various tissues and organs in the region.

Anatomy

The buccopharyngeal fascia is located in the neck, where it covers the outer surface of the pharynx. It is continuous with the pretracheal fascia and is part of the visceral fascia of the neck. This fascia extends from the base of the skull to the level of the trachea.

Relations

The buccopharyngeal fascia is closely related to several important structures:

• Anteriorly, it is related to the pharyngeal constrictor muscles, which it covers.
• Posteriorly, it is adjacent to the prevertebral fascia.
• Laterally, it is continuous with the carotid sheath, which encloses the carotid artery, internal jugular vein, and vagus nerve.

Function

The primary function of the buccopharyngeal fascia is to provide a supportive and protective layer for the pharynx and associated structures. It helps maintain the position of the pharynx and contributes to the compartmentalization of the neck, which is important for the containment of infections and the organization of the cervical region.

Clinical Significance

The buccopharyngeal fascia is clinically significant because it can be involved in the spread of infections in the neck. Infections that penetrate this fascia can spread to the retropharyngeal space, leading to potentially serious conditions such as retropharyngeal abscess.

Related Pages

• Fascia
• Pharynx
• Pretracheal fascia
• Carotid sheath
• Retropharyngeal space

Buccopharyngeal_fascia

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  Diagram of the carotid sheath

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  Anatomy of the pharynx

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  Buccopharyngeal fascia