Retropharyngeal space

[2] Its function is to facilitate movements in the superoinferior axis of the larynx, pharynx, and esophagus in relation to the cervical spine.

[2] Infections from the head and neck can spread down through the danger space into the posterior mediastinum.

[1][5] The danger space component of the RPS meanwhile extends further inferiorly, entering the posterior mediastinum to reach the level of the diaphragm.

[2] Positions of adjacent anatomical structures in relation to the retropharyngeal space are as follows: A midline raphe may be present in this the RPS,[2] making some infections appear unilateral.

[7] This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 390 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)