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AnatomyHead and neckParotid duct
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AnatomyHead and neckParotid duct

Parotid duct

Author: Danijel Tosovic, PhD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: March 07, 2024
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Parotid gland [04:49]
Anatomy, function and neurovasculature of the parotid gland.
Parotid duct
Ductus parotideus
1/2
Synonyms: Stensen's duct, Ductus parotidicus , show more...

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):

Salivary glands Explore study unit
Parotid gland Read article

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

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