Surgical Anatomy of the Parotid Gland

Abstract

The parotid gland consists of two lobes: superficial and deep with regard to its relation with the facial nerve. It is wrapped around the mandibular ramus and secretes saliva through the parotid (Stensen's) duct. It is a paired organ, weighing 15-30g each. Its superficial lobe overlies the lateral surface of the masseter muscle and is bounded superiorly by the zygomatic arch, while its deep lobe is located in the pre-styloid compartment of the parapharyngeal space between the mastoid process posteriorly, ramus of mandible anteriorly, and external auditory meatus superiorly. Medially, the gland reaches to the styloid process. Inferiorly, the parotid tail extends down to the anteromedial margin of sternocleido-mastoid muscle. Several structures run through the parotid gland, namely, terminal segment of external carotid artery, retro-mandibular vein, parotid lymph nodes, and facial nerve, which soon gives two divisions (temporo-facial and cervico-facial) that give off five branches inside the gland radiating forwards. This chapter explores the surgical anatomy of the parotid gland.