Parotid gland

Parotid gland
Parotid gland
	Location of the left parotid gland in humans (shown in green).
	Image
Details
Part of	Salivary glands
System	Digestive system
Identifiers
Latin	glandula parotidea
MeSH	D010306
TA98	A05.1.02.003
TA2	2800
FMA	59790
	Anatomical terminology

The parotid gland is a major salivary gland in many animals. In humans, the two parotid glands are present on either side of the mouth and in front of both ears. They are the largest of the salivary glands. Each parotid is wrapped around the mandibular ramus, and secretes serous saliva through the parotid duct into the mouth, to facilitate mastication and swallowing and to begin the digestion of starches. There are also two other types of salivary glands; they are submandibular and sublingual glands.^[1] Sometimes accessory parotid glands are found close to the main parotid glands.^[2]

^ "Submandibular Gland: Location, Function and Complications".
^ Ibrahim, Dalia. "Accessory parotid gland | Radiology Reference Article". Radiopaedia.

[1] "Submandibular Gland: Location, Function and Complications".

[Ibrahim-2] Ibrahim, Dalia. "Accessory parotid gland | Radiology Reference Article". Radiopaedia.

[1]

[2]