parotiskjertelen

The parotid gland is the largest of the salivary glands in humans and other mammals. It is an exocrine gland that produces a serous secretion, which is a watery fluid containing enzymes, most notably amylase, important for carbohydrate digestion. Located on the anterior and inferior side of the ear, the parotid gland has a somewhat irregular shape. It is situated superficially, lying just beneath the skin and superficial fascia, and deep to the temporomandibular joint.

Each parotid gland has a main duct, known as Stensen's duct, which conveys the saliva from the gland to the mouth. This duct typically emerges from the anterior border of the gland and passes anteriorly across the masseter muscle, then curves medially to pierce the buccinator muscle and enter the oral cavity opposite the second upper molar tooth. The gland is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) for secretomotor function and by branches of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), which also passes through the gland itself and innervates the muscles of facial expression.

The parotid glands are susceptible to various conditions, including infections like mumps, inflammation (parotitis), and the formation of stones in the salivary ducts (sialolithiasis). Tumors, both benign and malignant, can also arise in the parotid gland, with pleomorphic adenoma being the most common benign tumor and mucoepidermoid carcinoma being the most common malignant tumor. Due to the facial nerve's proximity and passage through the gland, surgical procedures involving the parotid gland require careful attention to preserve facial nerve function.