parotiidnäärme

Parotiidnäärme, commonly known as the parotid gland, is the largest of the salivary glands in humans and many other mammals. It is an exocrine gland, meaning it secretes substances through a duct. The parotid glands are paired, located on either side of the face, just in front of the ears. Each gland is roughly triangular in shape and is embedded in the surrounding tissues.

The primary function of the parotid gland is the production of saliva, a fluid essential for the initial stages of digestion. Saliva contains enzymes, such as amylase, which begin the breakdown of carbohydrates. It also lubricates food, aiding in chewing and swallowing, and plays a role in taste sensation and oral hygiene. The parotid glands produce a serous, watery saliva, rich in enzymes.

The parotid duct, also known as Stensen's duct, carries saliva from the gland to the mouth. This duct emerges from the anterior border of the gland and crosses the masseter muscle before piercing the buccinator muscle to open into the oral cavity, typically opposite the upper second molar tooth. The facial nerve runs through the parotid gland, making it a crucial anatomical landmark during surgery in this region.

Disorders affecting the parotid gland can include inflammation, such as parotitis, which can be caused by viral infections like mumps or bacterial infections. Tumors, both benign and malignant, can also arise in the parotid gland. Due to the presence of the facial nerve, surgical procedures on the parotid gland require careful technique to avoid nerve damage, which could lead to facial paralysis.