Face - LO 3

3. What are the most clinically relevant fascial spaces of the face (superior to the mandible)?

The infra-orbital (= canine) fascial space is deep to the “quadratus labii superioris m.” group, which consists of the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi m., levator labii superioris m., and the zygomaticus major & minor mm. The buccal fascial space is continuous anteriorly with the infra-orbital space. Odontogenic infections of the ipsilateral canine or first premolar may spread to this space, causing infra-orbital edema. Left untreated, infection may spread to either the buccal space, and/or to the orbital vasculature, and the cavernous sinuses beyond. The angular a. & v. and the infra-orbital n. (of V2) are found in this space. The buccal space is continuous with the (sub)masseteric space posteriorly and the pterygomandibular space posteromedially. These spaces (highlighted in blue, below) represent a potential route of metastasis from the maxillary teeth to the retropharyngeal space and associated spaces. Fascial spaces associated with the mandible and mandibular teeth are highlighted in green.