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    From Digestive System

    Laryngopharynx
    Lower part of pharynx leading to esophagus.
    Hepatic Flexure
    Bend between ascending and transverse colon.
    Hard Palate
    Bony anterior portion of the roof of the mouth.
    Abdominal Cavity
    The abdominal cavity is the largest body cavity, housing vital digestive and excretory organs, lined by the peritoneum and essential for protection, metabolism, and organ movement.
    Oral Cavity
    Entry point of the digestive system; includes teeth, tongue, and salivary openings.
    Anus
    Opening through which feces are expelled.
    Ileum
    Final and longest portion of the small intestine.
    Haustra
    Pouch-like segments of colon.
    Jejunum
    Second portion of the small intestine.
    Lips
    Fleshy borders of the mouth that aid in speech and food intake.
    Right Lobe
    Larger functional lobe of the liver.
    Vermiform Appendix
    Worm-like appendage of the cecum.
    Oropharynx
    Middle region of the pharynx behind the oral cavity.
    Quadrate Lobe
    Small lobe located between gallbladder and round ligament.
    Round Ligament of Liver
    Remnant of fetal umbilical vein.
    Caudate Lobe
    Lobe of liver near inferior vena cava.
    Greater Omentum
    Fatty fold of peritoneum covering intestines.
    Sublingual Glands
    Salivary glands beneath the tongue.
    Abdomen
    The abdomen is the body region between the chest and pelvis housing vital digestive, metabolic, and excretory organs, protected by muscular and peritoneal layers.
    Lesser Omentum
    Connects stomach and liver.
    Peritoneum
    Serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity.
    Falciform Ligament
    Connects liver to anterior abdominal wall.
    Cheeks
    Lateral walls of the oral cavity composed of muscle and fat.
    Submandibular Glands
    Salivary glands beneath the mandible.
    Cardia
    Upper opening of the stomach.

    Parotid Glands

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Largest salivary glands located near the ear.

    Overview

    The parotid glands are the largest of the three paired major salivary glands in the human body. As exocrine glands, their primary role is the production and secretion of saliva into the oral cavity, particularly serous (watery, enzyme-rich) saliva. These glands play a vital role in initiating digestion, maintaining oral health, and facilitating speech and swallowing.

    Location

    Each parotid gland is located in the preauricular region (in front of and slightly below the ear). Specifically, it:

    • Occupies the space between the mandible and the sternocleidomastoid muscle

    • Extends from the zygomatic arch (cheekbone) superiorly to the angle of the mandible inferiorly

    • Is traversed by the facial nerve (CN VII) as it branches within the gland

    Saliva from the parotid gland is secreted into the mouth through the parotid duct (Stensen’s duct), which opens near the second upper molar tooth.

    Structure

    Each parotid gland has the following key structural features:

    • Capsule: Enclosed in a tough fibrous capsule derived from the deep cervical fascia (parotid sheath)

    • Lobular parenchyma: Composed mainly of serous acini, which produce watery, enzyme-rich saliva

    • Stensen’s duct: A straight excretory duct approximately 5 cm long, opening into the oral vestibule

    • Facial nerve branches: Divide the gland into superficial and deep lobes but do not innervate the gland

    • Arterial supply: Primarily from branches of the external carotid artery (e.g., superficial temporal and maxillary arteries)

    • Venous drainage: Into the retromandibular vein

    • Innervation: Parasympathetic innervation via the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) through the otic ganglion and auriculotemporal nerve

    Function

    The main functions of the parotid glands are:

    • Saliva production: Produces approximately 25% of total daily saliva, especially during chewing and eating

    • Secretion of digestive enzymes: Especially salivary amylase (ptyalin), which begins starch digestion in the mouth

    • Lubrication: Moistens food for easier mastication and swallowing

    Physiological Role(s)

    The parotid glands contribute to multiple physiological processes:

    • Digestion: Initiate carbohydrate breakdown via amylase

    • Oral hygiene: Saliva helps cleanse the mouth and buffer oral pH, inhibiting bacterial growth

    • Taste facilitation: Saliva acts as a solvent for taste molecules, enhancing taste perception

    • Speech: Moistens oral structures, aiding articulation and phonation

    Clinical Significance

    The parotid glands are involved in several important medical conditions:

    • Parotitis: Inflammation of the parotid gland, commonly due to viral infection such as mumps; characterized by painful swelling near the ear

    • Sialolithiasis: Stone formation in the parotid duct can obstruct saliva flow, causing swelling and pain, especially while eating

    • Parotid tumors: Can be benign (e.g., pleomorphic adenoma) or

    Did you know? The esophagus is approximately 25 cm long and transports food from your mouth to your stomach.