Parotid Gland
Definition
Salivary gland - one of the three major salivary glands
Situation
In the space behind the mandible
Below the external ear
In front of the mastoid process
Structure
Enclosed in a sheath derived from the deep cervical fascia
The sheath sends processes into the gland dividing it into lobules
Upper pole lies just below the zygomatic arch, between the meatus and the mandibular joint
Its anterior border overlies the masseter
Structures related to the gland
The superficial temporal vessels, temporal branches of the facial nerve and the auriculo temporal nerve are found entering or leaving the gland at upper pole
The cervical branch of the facial nerve and the posterior facial vein leave the gland at the lower pole
Parotid duct and the zygomatic, buccal and mandibular branches of the facial nerve leave the gland at the anterior border
The external carotid artery grooves the deep surface
Lobes and planes
The branches of the facial nerve and the posterior facial vein with its branches lie in a remarkably constant plane within the gland
It is called faciovenous plane
It divides the gland into the superficial and deep lobes
The duct
Stenson's duct
The parotid duct emerges from the anterior border
Runs horizontally across the masseter
Pierces the buccinator muscle
Opens on the mucous membrane of the mouth opposite the second upper molar tooth
