Carotid space

Spatium caroticum

Definition

The carotid space is a paired space defined by the carotid sheath, a connective tissue boundary in the neck, that is made by the superficial, middle, and deep layers of the deep cervical fascia. Extending from the jugular foramen at the skull base to the aortic arch at the thoracic inlet, the carotid space is divided craniocaudally into the supra- and infrahyoid regions. 

Boundaries

  • superior margin: lower border of jugular foramen
  • inferior margin: aortic arch
  • anterolateral margin: sternocleidomastoid muscle 

Relations: 

  • Suprahyoid portion of the carotid space:
    • anteriorly: masticator and parapharyngeal spaces
    • laterally: parotid space,
    • medially: retropharyngeal space
    • posteriorly: perivertebral space 
  • Infrahyoid portion of the carotid space:
    • Anteriorly: anterior cervical space
    • Medially: visceral and retropharyngeal spaces
    • Posteriorly: perivertebral and posterior cervical spaces.

Contents:

  • Suprahyoid portion of the carotid space:
    • internal carotid artery
    • internal jugular vein
    • cranial nerves IX through XII
    • ansa cervicalis
    • sympathetic plexus
    • deep cervical lymph nodes 

 

  • Infrahyoid portion of the carotid space:
    • Cranial nerve X
    • Internal carotid artery and vein
    • Common carotid artery
    • sympathetic plexus
    • deep cervical lymph nodes  

 

Source: Pathology of the carotid space - Harris U. Chengazi, Alok A. Bhatt Insights Imaging. 2019 Dec; 10: 21. Published online 2019 Feb 15. doi: 10.1186/s13244-019-0704-z PMCID: PMC6377693

References

Text by Antoine Micheau, MD - Copyright IMAIOS

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