Submental space

The Submental Space is a fascial space of the head and neck (also termed fascial spaces or tissue spaces). It is a potential space and can become an actual space if disease or infection processes result in a pathologic accumulation of fluid, cells, or debris.

Etymology

The term "submental" is derived from the Latin words "sub" meaning "under" and "mentum" meaning "chin". Therefore, the submental space is the space located under the chin.

Anatomy

The submental space is located between the mylohyoid muscle and the platysma muscle. It is bounded by the anterior belly of the digastric muscles laterally, the hyoid bone inferiorly, and the mandible superiorly. The submental space communicates with the submandibular space bilaterally.

Clinical significance

Infections in the submental space can result from dental infections, trauma, or surgery. These infections can spread to other fascial spaces, leading to conditions such as Ludwig's angina or necrotizing fasciitis. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and surgical drainage.

Related terms

• Fascial space
• Mylohyoid muscle
• Platysma muscle
• Digastric muscle
• Hyoid bone
• Mandible
• Submandibular space
• Ludwig's angina
• Necrotizing fasciitis

See also

• Head and neck anatomy
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery

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  Submental space illustration from Gray's Anatomy, edited version.
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  Submental space anatomy diagram, edited version from Gray's Anatomy.