Buccal space

The buccal space (also termed the buccinator space) is a potential space in the cheek, and is paired on each side.

The buccal space is superficial to the buccinator muscle and deep to the platysma muscle and the skin. The buccal space is part of the subcutaneous space, which is continuous from head to toe. 

Boundaries:

• the angle of the mouth anteriorly
• the masseter muscle posteriorly
• the zygomatic process of the maxilla and the zygomaticus muscles superiorly,
• the depressor anguli oris muscle and the attachment of the deep fascia to the mandible inferiorly
• the buccinator muscle medially (the buccal space is superficial to the buccinator)
• the platysma muscle, subcutaneous tissue and skin laterally (the space is deep to platysma)

Content:

• buccal fat pad
• parotid duct (Stenson's duct)
• anterior facial artery and vein
• transverse facial artery and vein

Communications:

• Inferiorly: submandibular space (there is no real boundary),
• Posteriorly: pterygomandibular region, infratemporal space and parapharyngeal space