Parotidakörteln

Parotidakörteln, known in English as the parotid glands, are the largest of the salivary glands in humans. They are a pair of extracranial glands located on each side of the face, situated anterior to the ears and extending from the zygomatic arch down to the angle of the mandible. These glands are responsible for producing serous, watery saliva rich in enzymes such as amylase, which begins the process of carbohydrate digestion.

Anatomically, each parotid gland is roughly shaped like a pyramid, with its apical part directed inferiorly and forward. The parotid duct, also called Stensen's duct, emerges from the anterior border of the gland, traverses the masseter muscle, and pierces the buccinator muscle to open into the oral cavity opposite the second maxillary molar.

The parotid glands receive arterial blood supply primarily from the external carotid artery, specifically via the posterior auricular and superficial temporal arteries. Venous drainage occurs through the retromandibular vein. The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) runs through the parotid gland, dividing it into superficial and deep lobes and supplying the muscles of facial expression.

Clinically, the parotid glands can be affected by various conditions, including infections such as mumps, inflammatory disorders, tumors (benign or malignant), and obstructions like sialolithiasis (salivary stones). Due to the proximity of facial nerve branches, surgical interventions involving the parotid gland require careful planning to prevent nerve damage.

Overall, the parotid glands play a critical role in oral health, facilitating saliva production for lubrication, digestion, and antimicrobial functions within the oral cavity.