L-08-parotid gland Flashcards
Anatomy of the Parotid Gland
Q: What is the largest salivary gland?
A: The parotid gland.
Q: What type of secretion does the parotid gland produce?
A: Serous secretion.
Q: What are the two parts of the parotid gland?
A: Superficial and deep parts.
Q: Where is the parotid gland located?
A: It lies on the side of the face, extends to the angle of the mandible, and is wedged between the ramus of the mandible and the mastoid process.
Q: What is the function of the parotid duct?
A: It carries saliva from the parotid gland to the oral cavity.
Q: Where does the parotid duct open in the oral cavity?
A: Opposite the second upper molar tooth.
Structures Passing Through the Parotid Gland
Q: What four key structures pass through the parotid gland?
A:
External carotid artery
Superficial temporal vein
Facial nerve (CN VII)
Auriculotemporal nerve
Q: What does the external carotid artery divide into within the parotid gland?
A: Maxillary artery and superficial temporal artery.
Q: Which nerve carries secretomotor fibers to the parotid gland?
A: The auriculotemporal nerve (a branch of V3), carrying fibers from CN IX.
Facial Nerve (CN VII)
Q: Through which foramen does the facial nerve exit the skull?
A: Stylomastoid foramen.
Q: What are the five branches of the facial nerve as it passes through the parotid gland?
A:
Temporal
Zygomatic
Buccal
Mandibular
Cervical
Q: Which branch of the facial nerve supplies the platysma muscle?
A: The cervical branch.
Q: Why is the facial nerve more prone to injury within the parotid gland?
A: It is the most superficial structure within the gland.
Clinical Relevance
Q: What is parotitis, and what can cause it?
A: Parotitis is inflammation of the parotid gland, commonly caused by viral infections such as mumps.
Q: What is Bell’s palsy?
A: A condition caused by facial nerve dysfunction, leading to facial muscle weakness or paralysis.
Q: In Hassan’s case (water spilling from mouth, inability to close eye, swelling), which facial nerve branches might be affected?
A: Buccal and temporal branches.
