Paraspinal part of perivertebral space

The perivertebral space is situated posterior to the retropharyngeal space.

The perivertebral space is subdivided into two compartments, the prevertebral and paraspinal portion, by the deep slip of the deep fascia that is inserted to the transverse processes. 

The prevertebral portion of the of the perivertebral space, also sometimes termed “prevertebral space” is anteriorly located : 

Boundaries:

• Superior: skull base
• Inferior: superior mediastinum
• Anterior: retropharyngeal space and danger space
• Posterior: deep fascia on transverse processes 

Contents:

• vertebral bodies
• intervertebral disc
• prevertebral muscles (longus colli and longus capitis)
• scalene muscles, 
• vertebral artery
• vertebral vein
• phrenic nerve and part of the brachial plexus. 

The paraspinal portion of the of the perivertebral space is posteriorly located: 

Boundaries:

• Superior: skull base
• Inferior: superior mediastinum
• Anterior: deep fascia on transverse processes
• Posterior and lateral: surrounded by the posterior cervical space 

Contents:

• Lamina and spinous processes of vertebra
• Paraspinal muscles