Masticator Space

These patients are typically adolescents or adults with poor oral h ygiene.
Masticator space. The majority of masticator space infections are secondary to odontogenic infections. Each space is enveloped by the superficial investing layer of the deep cervical fascia. 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 superficial layer of deep cervical fascia splits into two at the lower border of the mandible.
The masticator spaces are paired structures on either side of the head. Occasionally masticator space infection is secondary to malignant otitis externa often seen in diabetics or immunologically compromised patients. The infratemporal space is the inferior portion of the deep temporal space. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography provide critical and usually definitive data needed in the diagnosis and management of masticator space buccal space and infratemporal fossa masses.
The masticator space are paired suprahyoid cervical spaces on each side of the face.