Parotid Gland

• Is the largest of the three salivary glands and occupies the retromandibular space between the ramus of the mandible in front and the mastoid process and the sternocleidomastoid muscle behind.
• Is invested with a dense fibrous capsule, the parotid sheath, derived from the investing layer of the deep cervical fascia.
• Is separated from the submandibular gland by a facial extension and the stylomandibular ligament, which extends from the styloid process to the angle of the mandible. (Therefore, pus does not readily exchange between these two glands.)
• Has the parotid (Stensen's) duct, which crosses the masseter, pierces the buccinator muscle, and opens into the oral cavity opposite the second upper molar tooth.
• Is innervated by parasympathetic (secretomotor) fibers of the glossopharyngeal nerve by way of the lesser petrosal nerve, otic ganglion , and auriculotemporal nerve.
• Secretes a copious watery saliva by parasympathetic stimulation and produces a small amount of viscous saliva by sympathetic stimulation.
• Complete surgical removal of the parotid may damage the facial nerve.