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Parotid duct
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The parotid duct, also known as the Stensen duct, is the 5-7 cm long salivary duct of the parotid gland. It is formed within the parotid gland from two main tributaries and then exits the gland from its anteromedial surface. It travels from the superior part of the gland's anterior edge horizontally over the masseter muscle before turning medially its medial border to pierce the buccinator muscle opposite the third maxillary molar tooth. It then runs anteriorly within the submucosa before opening into the oral vestibule though the parotid papilla adjacent to the second maxillary molar tooth.
The parotid duct functions to transport the 25-30% of the total daily salivary volume produced by the parotid gland into the oral vestibule.
| Terminology |
English: Parotid duct Latin: Ductus parotideus |
| Structure | 5-7 cm long, opening into the oral vestibule adjacent to the second maxillary molar tooth |
| Function | Transport saliva produced by the parotid gland into the oral vestibule. |
Learn more about the parotid gland with this study unit (and article):
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