| 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.