| retropharyngeal | Posterior to the pharynx. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| retropharyngeal abscess | A soft tissue infection of the throat with entry usually by the pharynx but sometimes as an extension of a lateral neck infection resulting from a neck injury. The major risk is upper airway obstruction caused by pharyngeal swelling. (daniel r. Masys, from a written communication) (12 Dec 1998) |
| retropharyngeal lymph nodes | The three groups of lymph nodes, one median and two lateral, located between the pharynx and the prevertebral fascia; they receive lymph from the nasopharynx, the auditory tube, and the atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial joints. Synonym: nodi lymphatici retropharyngeales. (05 Mar 2000) |
| retropharyngeal space | That part of the peripharyngeal spatium located posterior to the pharynx. In the normal adult it measures 4 mm (at C3 level), but is considered abnormal when greater than 7 mm. Can be icreased with a cervical spine fracture, retropharyngeal abscess. Synonym: spatium retropharyngeum, postpharyngeal space. (21 Jun 2000) |