Overview
The danger space (alar space) is a deep compartment of the head and neck located posterior to the retropharyngeal space and anterior to the prevertebral space (between the alar and prevertebral divisions of the deep layer of the deep cervical fascia), extending from the skull base to the mediastinum.
Boundaries
The danger space is continuous on the left and right.
- Anteriorly – Alar fascia
- Posteriorly – Prevertebral layer of the deep cervical fascia, retropharyngeal space
- Superiorly – Clivus at the skull base
- Inferiorly – Posterior mediastinum at the level of the diaphragm
Contents
No specific contents
Clinical Significance
The name originates from the risk that an infection in this space can spread directly to the thorax.