The parotid fascia is the tough capsule that encloses the parotid gland. It is formed by the investing layer of deep cervical fascia, which splits around the gland, and it continues forward over the masseter as the masseteric fascia, so the combined layer is often called the parotideomasseteric fascia.
| Location | Around the parotid gland, in front of and below the ear. |
|---|---|
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| Contents |
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Encloses and supports the parotid gland.
Because this capsule is tight and does not stretch, swelling of the parotid in mumps or infection is very painful, especially on chewing. It also explains why parotid abscesses may not feel fluctuant. The facial nerve branches run within the gland, deep to this fascia.
Viral swelling of the parotid gland within its unyielding fascial capsule, causing marked pain in front of the ear that worsens with eating.
Pus collecting inside the gland capsule, often in dehydrated patients, which can be hard to detect by touch because the fascia is so firm.
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