Where does the parotid gland drain?

Are you curious about where saliva comes from? Maybe, you want to know why your mouth waters excessively during some situations. Well, let’s talk about the parotid gland and its drainage system.

Introduction to the Parotid Gland

The parotid gland is one of three major salivary glands in humans. It is a pair of superficial^[1], irregularly-shaped, slightly pyramidal^[2] glands located on either side of your head. Each gland covers approximately two-thirds of each lateral region below and in front of each ear.

The Size and Shape

The size and shape vary depending on age and individual differences. Typically their size alternates between 5-7cm long x 3-4 cm wide x 2-3 cm deep – don’t worry I heard that gasp while reading this dimension!

The Secretions

Their primary function is to produce saliva with its favorable composition which helps lubricate food during eating motions required for digestion.

Parasympathetic Innervation

These babies are innervated by parasympathetic fibers via CNIId (facial nerve) branches called ‘parotic plexus’. This network transmits into two ganglia called ‘otic ganglion’ giving rise to secretomotor fibres[^1].

Speaking more about nerves – A fascinating nugget that I discovered over snack time today was regarding BB King – Yes! “He would raise his left eyebrow before playing the guitar solo” – curious how it’s related? That’s actually due to denervation hypersensitivity after having shingles at age fifty! Isn’t that interesting?!

Now moving back towards our topic;

Anatomy & Histology: What Makes up a Salivary Duct?

Every single gland has an intricate conducting system composed primarily (but not solely) of ducts leading to the oral cavity, and within this setup – the parotid gland is no exception. This system referred to as salivary ducts, ultimately leads all that delectable saliva into your mouth.

The Parotid Duct (Aka Stenson’s Duct)

The largest salivary duct specifically for the parotid gland is called Stenson’s duct or parotid duct, which have a 5cm length approximate size[^3,. In other words – its girthy!

Enter: Buccinator muscle

This thick channel runs forward across your cheek & transverses^4 through the buccinator muscle thus opening up anteriorily on an elevation termed papilla of stensen in your inner cheek lining just opposite maxillary second molar

Area&Location	Structure
Length	Approximately 5 cm
Passing	Across buccinators
	Papilla position : Opposite 2nd premolar

Now arriving at our main context,

Where Does Saliva from The Parotid Gland Drain?

There are three major salivary glands namely; Submandibular (70%), Sublingual (20%) and with our ‘topic du jour’ being Parotic gland (>25% of total salivary volume) playing a crucial role in maintaining lubrication during chewing motions.
It’s time we addressed it’s drainage ability!

Neurovascular Supply Factor

When considering where these secretes drain, their supply serves as an important compass. For parasympathetic origin regions, one route would be travelling cranially via deep petrosal nerve extending to greater superficial petrosal nerve accompanied by lacrimal nerve[^1]. But does this give us any idea about drainage point? Let’s see!

The Drainage Point(s)

You’ll be pleased to know that enthusiastic parotid gland secrete-buds stash can emerge in two ways:

1. Directly Jumping In

The first mode involves the sublingual caruncula or plica sublingualis as we say it; now what is that? Well, making it simpler: under your tongue at the front of each side there’s a small fold of tissue (the caruncle) this is where saliva from smaller draining ducts from minor glands, increase your mouth-watering sensation with salivary fluid through these tiny perforations that sit on tongue’s base.

Location	Merging
Submandibular Gland	Through Submandibular Duct
	Minor Salivary Glands
	\textbf{Parotid Gland}

Take note here – This isn’t a direct opening but for experts who demand precision – one could identify two perforations located on either side of the lingual frenulum margin which pass them to orifice/substance which may be observed by naked eye!

Just Nearly Missing It

For those astonished by first entry point information, you probably skipped initially mentioned about submandibular and sublingual glands, they have their separate way out! Let’s

Wharton’s Duct

An elongated channel called Canon Stenson gets close enough to this other gang thereby permitting some secretion transfer into whartonsduct( Cf table below ), expanding significantly prior merge subsquamously. Eventually meeting up past several structures and structures (^usually if not always ; just before mixing rinses oral surfaces).

Note:The major portion otherwise finds its route near lesser cornu thyroid cartilage beneath anterior edge styloid process bifurcating passing opposite vascular superiority: Common carotid artery, and Higher still – the Apex lung.

Duct Name	Gland Sourced
Wharton	Submandibular Glands
	Sublingual gland (minor)
	The parotic duct joins it

Conclusion

Now you’ve got a handle on where your saliva comes from! We hope learning more about your salivary glands has been as exciting for you as it was for us to research this topic. So remember, when chewing food or preparing to eat a delicious meal, pay attention to how much parotid gland is working behind-the-scenes aiding in the breakdown of every tasty bite.

What do you think? Have any questions or comments regarding this article today? Feel free to reach out; we’d love to hear from our fantastic readers like yourself!

[1]: https://www.thesepticclinic.com/parotid-fistula-and-parotitis ,
[2]:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parotid_gland ,
[3]:https://thejns.org/view/journals/j-neurosurg/26/4/article-p429.xml “Neurology” ,