The parotid is the largest salivary gland, wedged in front of and below the ear and wrapped around the back of the jaw. It makes watery (serous) saliva that reaches the mouth through the parotid duct opposite the upper second molar. The facial nerve runs through the gland, splitting it into superficial and deep parts.
| Location | Lateral face and upper neck, in front of the ear and over the ramus of the mandible and masseter, extending behind the mandible into the retromandibular space and down to the angle of the jaw |
|---|---|
| Secretes |
|
| Nerve Supply | Glossopharyngeal nerve via otic ganglion and auriculotemporal nerve (parasympathetic secretomotor); Sympathetic fibres from the external carotid plexus; Great auricular nerve (sensation to the capsule) |
| Blood Supply | External carotid artery and its branches within the gland (superficial temporal, maxillary, transverse facial) |
| Venous drainage | |
| Lymphatic drainage |
Produces about a quarter of resting saliva and a larger share during eating, supplying watery, enzyme-rich saliva that starts starch digestion and helps chewing and swallowing.
Because the facial nerve branches within the gland, parotid surgery risks facial weakness, and a parotid tumour that causes facial palsy is suspicious for cancer. Most parotid tumours are benign, the pleomorphic adenoma being the commonest. Mumps causes painful parotid swelling, and after parotidectomy some patients develop Frey syndrome (gustatory sweating). Its secretomotor supply comes from the glossopharyngeal nerve via the otic ganglion and auriculotemporal nerve.
The commonest salivary gland tumour, a slow-growing benign lump in the parotid that can recur if not completely excised.
Viral inflammation of the parotid causing painful swelling, often on both sides, with fever.
Sweating and flushing of the cheek when eating after parotid surgery, from misdirected regrowth of secretomotor nerve fibres to sweat glands.
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