A patient develops a posterior pharyngeal abscess that extends inferiorly along the retropharyngeal space. Down to which vertebral level does this potential space extend, allowing infection to reach the posterior mediastinum?
- A T1 vertebra ✓
- B C6 vertebra
- C T4 vertebra
- D T6 vertebra
Correct answer: A. T1 vertebra
Explanation
The retropharyngeal space lies between the buccopharyngeal fascia anteriorly and the alar fascia posteriorly, extending from the skull base to the T1-T2 level where the alar and prevertebral fasciae fuse. This allows infection to track into the superior mediastinum. C6 marks the cricoid level, and T4-T6 are too low.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.