[The nasopharynx and deep spaces of the face: anatomy and applications to pathology]

Deep facial spaces are anatomically delineated by the layers of deep cervical fascia. They are located between the skull base and the hyoid bone. Each space contains specific anatomic structures, which can be responsible for specific pathologic processes. Deep facial spaces can be divided in two medial odd spaces (pharyngeal mucosal and retropharyngeal spaces), and in three lateral even spaces (retrostylian, prestylian, and masticator spaces). The dividing of these core tissues are useful for the analysis of the lesions found in this area. CT scan and MRI (with axial and coronal views) provide precise analysis. The main lesions are: -medially, adenoidal hyperplasias and squamous cell carcinomas (pharyngeal mucosal space), adenopathies and abscess (retropharyngeal space). -laterally, salivary tumors (prestylian space), adenopathies, schwannomas and paragangliomas (retrostylian space). Masticator space (and especially pterygopalatine fossa) is an important way of communication and is often involved by the extension of locoregional pathologic processes.