Parotid duct

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Parotid duct
Right parotid gland. Deep and anterior aspects. (Parotid duct labeled at center right.)
Dissection, showing salivary glands of right side. (Parotid duct visible at center.)
Latin ductus parotideus
Gray's subject #242 1134
MeSH Stensen's+Duct
Dorlands/Elsevier d_29/12315033

The parotid duct, also known as Stensen's duct, is the route that Saliva takes from the parotid gland into the mouth.

It passes through the buccal fat, buccopharyngeal fascia and buccinator muscle then opens into the vestibule of the mouth opposite the upper 2nd molar tooth. The buccinator acts as a valve which prevents inflation of the duct during blowing. Running along with the duct superiorly is the transverse facial artery and upper buccal nerve, inferiorly is the lower buccal nerve.

Contents

[edit] Pathology

Blockage, whether caused by salivary duct stones or external compression, may cause pain and swelling of the parotid gland (parotitis).

[edit] Eponym

It is named after Niels Stensen (1638-1686), a Danish anatomist credited with its discovery.

[edit] Additional images

Outline of side of face, showing chief surface markings.

interlobular duct.

striated duct.

[edit] External links

 This digestive system article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.
v • d • e
General anatomy of head and neck - head
Face/Occiput
Forehead • Eye (Orbit/Periorbita, Trochlea)  • Ear • Temple • Cheek • Chin • Scalp
Nose
Mouth/oral cavity
Other
Fascia