Establish proper airway, vascular control, and adequate visualization. Specific Deep Neck Spaces and Infections - Fascia separate one area from another and provide communication routes from one to another. Carotid sheath runs through this space to the mediastinum ii. In close relation to tonsillar fossa medially and internal pterygoid laterally. Traversed by the carotid sheath and its contents - Also contains CN IX, XI, XII and the cervical sympathetic chain 2.
Most common sources are tonsils or pharynx.
Also the teeth, parotid gland, lymph nodes that drain nose and pharynx b. May communicate inferiorly with the submandibular space, posteromedially with the retropharyngeal space, laterally with the masticator and parotid spaces. Prior to antibiotics, it was the most frequent space involved. Posterior space involvement - swelling of the posterior pillar and posterolateral pharyngeal wall. Minimal trismus or tonsillar displacement usually.