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    Related Topics

    From Digestive System

    Ileum
    Final and longest portion of the small intestine.
    Right Lobe
    Larger functional lobe of the liver.
    Palatine Tonsils
    Lymphatic tissues on either side of the oropharynx.
    Falciform Ligament
    Connects liver to anterior abdominal wall.
    Upper Esophageal Sphincter
    Muscle ring that controls entry into the esophagus.
    Round Ligament of Liver
    Remnant of fetal umbilical vein.
    Gingiva
    Gums; soft tissue covering the bones of the jaw.
    Oropharynx
    Middle region of the pharynx behind the oral cavity.
    Tail of Pancreas
    Tapered end of pancreas near spleen.
    Accessory Pancreatic Duct
    Secondary duct emptying into duodenum.
    Ligamentum Venosum
    Remnant of ductus venosus in liver.
    Anal Canal
    Terminal part of the large intestine.
    Transverse Colon
    Horizontal part of the colon.
    Hard Palate
    Bony anterior portion of the roof of the mouth.
    Neck of Pancreas
    Short section between head and body.
    Main Pancreatic Duct
    Primary duct draining pancreatic juices.
    Fundus
    Upper curved portion of the stomach.
    Common Hepatic Duct
    Carries bile from liver to bile duct.
    Liver
    Largest gland in the body with roles in metabolism and bile production.
    Pylorus
    Distal part of stomach leading to duodenum.
    Pancreas
    Gland with both endocrine and exocrine functions.
    Anus
    Opening through which feces are expelled.
    Left Lobe
    Smaller lobe of the liver.
    Sublingual Glands
    Salivary glands beneath the tongue.
    Soft Palate
    Muscular posterior part of the roof of the mouth.

    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 stomach can expand to hold up to 4 liters of food or liquid.