The parotid (Stensen) duct is about 5 cm long and carries saliva from the parotid gland across the cheek to the mouth. It runs forward over the masseter, turns inward at its front edge, pierces the buccinator and opens on a small papilla opposite the upper second molar.
| Location | Crosses the masseter about a finger's breadth below the zygomatic arch, pierces the buccinator and opens into the vestibule of the mouth opposite the upper second molar |
|---|---|
| Secretes |
|
| Blood Supply | Transverse facial artery |
Conveys saliva from the parotid gland into the oral cavity.
The duct follows the middle third of a line from the tragus of the ear to the midpoint of the upper lip, and deep cheek lacerations along this line need checking for duct injury. It can be felt by rolling a finger over the clenched masseter. Stones, strictures and dilation of the duct are seen with sialography or sialendoscopy.
Division of the duct in a cheek wound, which can cause a salivary fistula or sialocele unless repaired over a stent.
Narrowing of the duct from inflammation or stones, causing recurrent swelling of the gland with meals.
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