Parotid duct

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

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 second molar tooth. The buccinator acts as a valve that prevents inflation of the duct during blowing. Running along with the duct superiorly is the transverse facial artery and upper buccal nerve; running along with the duct inferiorly is the lower buccal nerve.

Pathology

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

Eponym

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

Additional images

Outline of side of face, showing chief surface markings.

Interlobular duct.

Striated duct.

External links

• Diagram at MSU
• ent/178 at eMedicine - Parotid duct injuries
• doctor/2052 at Who Named It?

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