Parotiska

Parotiska refers to the parotid gland, the largest of the salivary glands in humans. It is located in the cheek, anterior to the ear, extending from the zygomatic arch to the angle of the jaw and lying over the masseter muscle. The gland is divided into superficial and deep lobes by the facial nerve, which travels through the gland and gives its superficial branches on the face. The retromandibular vein also runs through the gland, and the external carotid artery gives accompanying branches nearby.

The parotid gland produces serous saliva rich in amylase. Its main duct, Stensen’s duct, emerges from the anterior border of the gland, crosses the masseter muscle, perforates the buccinator, and opens at the opposite second upper molar tooth. Lymphatic drainage from the parotid nodes proceeds to the deep and then to the upper deep cervical nodes.

Nerve and blood supply are notable clinically. The gland receives parasympathetic secretomotor input from the glossopharyngeal nerve via the otic ganglion and the auriculotemporal nerve, with sympathetic fibers from the superior cervical ganglion modulating secretion. Blood supply comes from branches of the external carotid artery, including the posterior auricular, superficial temporal, and maxillary arteries; venous drainage is via the retromandibular vein into the internal jugular system.

Clinical relevance includes parotitis (inflammation of the gland, historically associated with mumps), benign and malignant tumors (the most common benign tumor is pleomorphic adenoma; Warthin tumor is another benign option; malignant tumors include mucoepidermoid carcinoma), and sialolithiasis affecting Stensen’s duct. Treatment of glandular tumors often involves parotidectomy (superficial or total) with careful preservation of the facial nerve; radiotherapy may complement management in malignant cases.