Parotid Gland and Submandibular Triangle - LO 2

2. What is the function of the parotid gland, and how does the parotid gland connect to the oral cavity?

The parotid gland is the largest of the three main salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, and sublingual - all paired). Salivary glands are exocrine glands, meaning their secretions are transported via ducts onto a surface (in this case the mucous membrane of the oral cavity). There are numerous small salivary glands that open directly or via small ducts into the oral cavity: labial, buccal, palatal, and lingual glands. Saliva is the secretion of salivary glands, and it serves multiple functions, including cleansing and moisturizing the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx and beginning the chemical breakdown of food.

The parotid (Stensen’s) duct typically arises at the anterior border of the parotid gland travels superficial to the masseter m., and dives deep to (and through) the buccinator m. The parotid duct is variable in path and size, but is typically 1-3 mm in diameter. The parotid duct conducts saliva from the parotid gland, through the buccinator m., opening through the papilla of parotid (Stensen’s) duct, located in the oral vestibule opposite the maxillary second molars.