Three-dimensional sectional anatomy and clinical significance of the parapharyngeal space

Objective: To provide anatomical basis for imaging diagnosis of the parapharyngeal space diseases. Methods: 60 headneck of adult corpses were selected and cut into the coronal, sagittal and transverse section respectively. At pharyngeal recess level, parapharyngeal space and parapharyngeal structure were observed and measured in the width and area with vernier caliper and associate pane. Results: It was 348.8±1.88 mm 2(left) and 350.0±2.04 mm 2(right) on coronal, 425.0±2.32 mm 2(left) and 424.6± 2.28 mm 2(right) on sagittal, 447.6±2.18 mm 2(left) and 446.4±2.10 mm 2(right) on transverse section in area of the parapharyngeal space. Parapharyngeal space and parapharyngeal structure were symmetrical of both sides, there were no significant differences in the width and area ( P 0.05). It was better section to show preparapharyngeal, parapharyngeal and retroparapharyngeal space with coronal, sagittal and transverse anatomy separately. Conclusions: (1) Medial pterygoid muscle, levator palatini muscle, tensor palatini muscle, pharyngotympanic tube, internal carotid artery, internal jugular vein and styloid process were important anatomical marks for imaging diagnosis of MRI. (2) Three-dimensional sectional anatomy of the parapharyngeal space has an important significance for imaging diagnosis of the diseases of tumor in the parapharyngeal space.