A patient develops acute neck swelling following dental extraction of the lower second molar. Imaging shows spread of infection below the mylohyoid muscle to the submandibular and parapharyngeal space. This is called Ludwig's angina. The mylohyoid muscle acts as a barrier between which two spaces?

• A Between the parapharyngeal space and retropharyngeal space
• B Between the submandibular space and the carotid space
• C Between the sublingual space (above) and submandibular space (below) ✓
• D Between the floor of mouth and the tongue proper

Explanation

The mylohyoid muscle forms the floor of the mouth and acts as the key anatomical barrier separating the sublingual space superiorly (above mylohyoid, between tongue and inner cortex of mandible) from the submandibular space inferiorly (below mylohyoid). The roots of lower second and third molars extend below the mylohyoid line; dental abscesses from these teeth therefore primarily infect the submandibular space. Ludwig's angina involves bilateral submandibular, sublingual, and submental spaces, potentially causing airway compromise due to elevation and posterior displacement of the tongue.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.