Retropharyngeal Space: Anatomy

Retropharyngeal space: It lies behind the pharynx
between the buccopharyngeal fascia covering pharyngeal
constrictor muscles and the pre vertebral fascia. It extends
from the base of skull to the bifurcation of trachea. The
space is divided into two lateral compartments (spaces of
Gillette) by a fibrous raphe. Each lateral space
contains retropharyngeal nodes which usually disappear at
3-4 years of age. Parapharyngeal space communicates with
the retropharyngeal space. Infection of retropharyngeal
space can pass down behind the oesophagus into the
mediastinum .