Fig. 1

Anatomy of the masticator space. a Axial and b coronal T1W MR images show the superficial layer of the deep cervical fascia (white line) enveloping the space, the ramus of the mandible (R), masseteric muscle (M), medial pterygoid muscle (MP), lateral pterygoid muscle (LP), and temporalis muscle (T). The foramen ovale (thin arrow in b), from which the mandibular nerve passes. Also note the close relation of the space with the buccal fat pad (white dots) anteriorly, with the parotid gland (P) posterolaterally, and with the prestyloid parapharyngeal space (black dots) medially. Large white arrow (a) points to the expected location of the pterygomandibular raphe. N nasopharynx, O oropharynx