Infraorbital space; Canine space

The canine space (also termed the infraorbital space) is a thin potential space on the face, and is paired on either side.

It is located between the levator anguli oris muscle inferiorly and the levator labii superioris muscle superiorly. This space is in the region of the canine fossa, and infections originating from the maxillary canine tooth may spread to involve the space. 

Boundaries

• the nasal cartilages anteriorly
• the buccal space posteriorly
• the quadratus labii superioris muscle (levator labii superioris) superiorly
• the oral mucosa of the maxillary labial sulcus inferiorly
• the quadratus labii superioris muscle superficially
• and the deep border is created by the levator anguli oris muscle.

The canine space communicates with the buccal space posteriorly. 

Contents:

• angular artery and angular vein
• infra-orbital nerve (a branch of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve) 

Related pathology

• Maxillary canine and first premolar infection