Consists of 4 contiguous potential spaces bounded by the muscles of mastication:
Masseteric, superficial temporal, deep temporal, pterygomandibular
Bacteria gain entry to the space from:
Odontogenic (tooth extractions, periodontitis, pericoronitis, dental caries, pulpitis, etc) - most common source
Trauma (e.g. to the TMJ)
Surgery
Injections (e.g. inferior alveolar block)
Spaces communicate with the tissue planes that extend down the neck to the mediastinum
Masseteric, superficial temporal, deep temporal, pterygomandibular
Odontogenic (tooth extractions, periodontitis, pericoronitis, dental caries, pulpitis, etc) - most common source
Trauma (e.g. to the TMJ)
Surgery
Injections (e.g. inferior alveolar block)
Masticator space infections
Buccal space infections
Tracheostomy complications
Dental problems
Canine space infection
Chylous leak
Facial cellulitis
Tracheostomy infection