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Anatomy & Histology · single question

A patient keeps chewing tobacco in the labial vestibule of the mandible. In which space may the disease spread?

  1. Sublingual space
  2. Submandibular space
  3. Deep cervical space
  4. Pterygomandibular space
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Submandibular space

  • A. The sublingual space is ABOVE the mylohyoid muscle and is entered from the floor of the mouth — not directly from the mandibular labial vestibule.
  • B. The labial vestibule of the MANDIBLE communicates with the SUBMANDIBULAR SPACE via connections below the mylohyoid muscle attachment. Tobacco-related infections or malignancies in the mandibular labial vestibule may spread inferiorly into the submandibular space, potentially causing Ludwig's angina if bilateral.
  • C. The deep cervical space is a more distant extension — the immediate spread from mandibular labial vestibule would be the submandibular space first.
  • D. The pterygomandibular space is medial to the ramus — not the typical spread from the labial vestibule.

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