Masticator space

The masticator space is a deep facial space that is outlined by the superficial layer of the deep cervical fascia and lies laterally and evenly in front of the prestyloid space, medial to the pharyngeal space and beneath the skull base.

The masticator space as an anatomical and functional entity centered on the mandibular ramus, which divides it into medial and lateral compartments. It is separated from the adjacent face and neck spaces by a superficial layer of deep cervical fascia except superiorly, where it freely communicates with the external temporal fossa, which may be considered as an upper extension of the masticator space.

Boundaries and relations:

• buccal space anteriorly
• parotid space posteriorly
• parapharyngeal space medially
• submandibular
• sublingual spaces inferiorly
• skull base superiorly

Contents:

• Four muscles of mastication (masseter, medial and lateral pterygoids, and temporalis)
• Ramus and posterior portion of the body of the mandible
• Pterygopalatine lymph node
• Inferior alveolar artery, vein and nerve
• Mandibular (V3) and maxillary (V2) branches of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V)

Source:

• The masticator space: from anatomy to pathology. Faye N, Lafitte F, Williams M, Guermazi A, Sahli-Amor M, Chiras J, Dion E. J Neuroradiol. 2009 Jun;36(3):121-30. doi: 10.1016/j.neurad.2008.08.005. Epub 2008 Oct 5. Review. PMID:18835644
• Harnsberger HR, Glastonbury CM, Michel MA et-al. Diagnostic Imaging: Head and Neck. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. (2010) ISBN:1931884781
• Imaging of the Head and Neck. Thieme. (2012) ISBN:3131505311. Gray's Anatomy (20th U.S. edition of Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body, published in 1918)