Parotid Gland Tutorial

Introduction

• Topic: Overview of the parotid gland
• Relevance: Largest of the three major salivary glands
• Location: Two parotid glands, one on each side of the face

Structure

• Shape: Pyramidal/triangular shape
• Lobes: Divided into deep lobe and superficial lobe
  • Separated by the facial nerve
• Capsule: Enclosed within a capsule derived from the deep cervical fascia

Location

• Borders:
  • Superiorly: Zygomatic arch
  • Anteriorly: Masseter muscle
  • Inferiorly: Inferior border of the mandible
  • Posteriorly: External ear and sternocleidomastoid muscle
• Parotid Duct (Stensen duct):
  • Transports saliva into the oral cavity
  • Arises from the anterior surface of the gland
  • Runs across the masseter muscle, pierces the buccinator muscle
  • Opens into the oral cavity near the upper second molar tooth

Function

• Produces serous saliva (watery, enzyme-rich)
• Role of Saliva:
  • Lubricates
  • Breaks down carbohydrates
  • Acts as an antimicrobial agent

Associated Structures

• Facial Nerve:
  • Divides the gland into lobes
  • Gives rise to five terminal branches for facial expression
• External Carotid Artery:
  • Passes deep to the gland
  • Gives rise to the posterior auricular artery
  • Divides into the maxillary and superficial temporal arteries
• Retromandibular Vein:
  • Formed by the union of the superficial temporal and maxillary veins

Blood Supply and Innervation

• Arterial Supply: From branches of the external carotid artery
• Venous Drainage: Via the retromandibular vein
• Innervation:
  • Sensory: Auriculotemporal nerve, greater auricular nerve
  • Parasympathetic: Glossopharyngeal nerve via auriculotemporal nerve (stimulates saliva production)
  • Sympathetic: Superior cervical ganglion
• Lymphatic Drainage: Superior deep cervical nodes

Clinical Aspects

• Parotid Tumors:
  • Most common site for salivary gland tumors
  • Generally benign, risk factors include radiation, Epstein-Barr, smoking
  • Symptoms: Painless lump, difficulty swallowing/opening mouth
  • Diagnosis: Ultrasound and fine needle aspiration cytology
  • Management: Observation for older patients, surgical excision for younger patients, radiotherapy

Conclusion

• Further Learning: Visit kenhub.com for more resources like articles, quizzes, anatomical atlases, and video tutorials.