The parotid gland

StatPearls:

StatPearls

Book. 2020 01

Authors:

Abstract

The parotid gland is salivary gland others include submandibular and sublingual glands. It is enclosed within a fascial capsule and comprises a superficial lobe and a deep lobe separated by the facial nerve. It is an exocrine gland that secretes saliva into the oral cavity after parasympathetic stimulation. The Stensen canal is the primary excretory duct for the parotid gland, passing through the masseter muscles, penetrating the buccinator, and then into the oral mucosa lateral to the second maxillary molar. The saliva secreted aids in chewing, swallowing, digestion, and phonation. Saliva contains electrolytes, mucin, and digestive enzymes like amylase. Parotitis is inflammation of the parotid glands, and the is the most common among the inflammation of the major salivary glands. Parotitis can present as a local process or can be a manifestation of systemic illness. Predisposing factors include dehydration, malnutrition, immunosuppression, sialolithiasis, oral neoplasms, and medications, causing decreased salivation. Rare complications of parotitis or parotid procedures include osteomyelitis, Lemierre syndrome, sepsis, organ failure, and facial paralysis.[1][2]





PMID: 32809570