General Anatomy

Parotid Gland
 Capsule of parotid gland splits into superficial and deep layers.
 Superficial layer covers outer surface of gland.
 Deep layer form stylo-mandibular ligament and separates parotid from
submandibular gland.

 It has 5 extensions:
 Zygomatic arch superiorly
 Angle of mandible inferiorly
 Masseter anteriorly
 Sternomastoid muscle posteriorly
 Pharyngeal wall medially

 It has 4 parts
 Main: between masseter and sternomastoid
 Deep: medial narrow edge
 Post glenoid: in contact with external auditory meatus and behind temporo-
mandibular joint.
 Accessory: over duct

 Parotid duct is 5 cm long.

 Parotid gland contains 5 structures:

 Facial nerve (most superficial)
 Auriculo-temporal nerve
 External carotid artery
 Retro-mandibular vein
 Deep parotid lymph nodes

 Arterial supply: external carotid artery

 Veinous drainage: retro-mandibular vein
 Lymph drainage: superficial and deep parotid lymph nodes
 Sensory nerve supply: auriculotemporal & great auricular
 Sympathetic nerve supply: sympathetic plexus around external carotid artery
 Parasympathetic nerve supply: inferior salivary nucleus  tympanic branch 
tympanic plexus  lesser superficial petrosal nerve  gets out of foramen ovale 
otic ganglion  auriculotemporal  parotid gland