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Salivary Glands
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The parotid glands are found overlying the mandibular ramus and anterior and inferior to the external ear. The glands occupy the parotid fascial spaces, an area posterior to the mandibular ramus, anterior and inferior to the ear on each side of the head. Each gland extends irregularly from the zygomatic arch to the angle of the mandible. This gland is effectively palpated (can be felt) bilaterally by starting anterior to each ear, moving to the cheek area and then inferiorly to the angle of the mandible.[1]
Above the parotid gland lies the external auditory meatus and temporomandibular joint. Below, the parotid overlaps the posterior belly of the digastric muscle. Medially lies the styloid process. Posteriorly, the parotid overflows the sternocleidomastoid and anteriorly it overlies the mandible with the overlying masseter.
The parotid gland resembles a three sided pyramid. The apex of the pyramid is directed downwards. the gland has four surfaces: (1) superior (2) superficial (3) anteromedial & (4) posteromedial.
The surfaces are separated by three borders: (1) anterior (2) posterior & (3) medial
Structures which pass through the parotid gland:
- The facial nerve and its branches run through the gland superficial to the retromandibular vein
- The external carotid artery, which gives off its two terminal branches, the maxillary artery and the superficial temporal artery, inside the gland
- The retromandibular vein
