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Parotid gland

Dr Jeremy Jones et al.

The parotid gland is the largest of the salivary glands and secretes saliva via the parotid duct into the oral cavity to facilitate mastication and swallowing.

The parotid gland is wrapped around the mandibular ramus and extends to a position anterior and inferior to the ear within the parotid facial space. The facial nerve and it's branches pass through the parotid gland, as does the external carotid artery (ECA). The ECA forms its two terminal branches within the parotid gland: maxillary and superficial temporal artery.

Arterial supply is gained from the ECA and a specific branch of the artery, the transverse facial artery. Drainage, by a plexus of veins is via the internal jugular vein.