Parotid duct

The parotid duct, also called Stensen duct, is a tube in our body. It carries saliva from a big gland named the parotid gland. This gland makes a lot of saliva. The parotid duct moves the saliva into our mouth. This helps keep our mouth moist and clean. Saliva is important because it helps us taste food, swallow, and fight off tiny germs that can make us sick. So, the parotid duct helps keep our mouths healthy and ready for eating and talking.

Structure

The parotid duct is formed when several small ducts inside the parotid gland join together. It starts from the parotid gland and moves forward along the lateral side of the masseter muscle for about 7 cm. The duct is surrounded by the buccal fat pad. It then turns sharply at the edge of the masseter muscle, passes through the buccinator muscle, and opens into the vestibule of the mouth. This is the area of the mouth between the cheek and the gums, right in front of the second upper molar tooth. You can feel small raised areas on both sides of your mouth called parotid papillae; these protect the opening of the parotid duct.

The buccinator muscle works like a valve, stopping air from getting into the duct.

The parotid duct is close to the buccal branch of the facial nerve and the transverse facial artery. The transverse facial artery runs above the duct, while the upper buccal nerve runs along with it. The lower buccal nerve runs below the duct.

Clinical significance

Sometimes, the parotid duct can get blocked. This can happen if tiny stones get stuck in the duct or if something presses on it from the outside. When this happens, it can hurt and make the parotid gland swell up. This swelling is called parotitis.

There are special marks called Koplik's spots that show up near where the parotid duct opens. These spots help doctors know if someone has measles. Doctors can also put a tiny tube into the duct to check it, sometimes using special dye to see it better in images.

History

Niels Stensen, also known as Nicolas Steno, was a scientist from Denmark. He was the first to describe the parotid duct in 1660. Because of his work, the duct is sometimes called "Stensen duct."

Additional images

Here are some pictures that show the parotid duct from different views and under the microscope. One picture shows the small bump on the cheek where the duct opens. The other pictures give a closer look at the duct’s shape and tiny parts.