[Plate 61, Salivary Glands]page 35
page 36Functions
Moisten and lubricate food
Begin digestion of starches
Contribute to
Ability to taste
Prevention of tooth decay
Parotid gland:
Largest salivary gland
Thin watery secretion
Found within investing cervical fascia
Occupies space between ramus of mandible and anterior border of sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle
Overlaps posterior masseter muscle
Deep part extends posteriorly to mastoid process and external auditory meatus
Parotid duct
Emerges at anterior border of gland
Runs over masseter
Pierces buccinator to enter mouth opposite upper second molar
Structures passing through the gland
Facial nerve
a. Enters gland and branches into two stems
b. Two stems give rise to five branches that emerge from borders of gland
Superficial temporal vein
a. Runs through deeper part of gland
b. Unites with maxillary vein within the gland to form retromandibular vein
External carotid artery through deep part of gland
Arterial supply
External carotid artery
Superficial temporal arteries
Venous drainage: retromandibular vein
Innervation
Great auricular nerve (C2 and C3 spinal nerves)
Auriculotemporal nerve (CN V 3 )
Parasympathetic fibers from glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) via auriculotemporal from otic ganglion