The duct has a relation to many structures as it passes through all of them. It opens at the vestibule of the mouth after it crosses the buccal fat, buccopharyngeal fascia and buccinator muscle. This vestibule lies close to the parotid papilla, across the second molar tooth of the upper jaw. During blowing, the buccinator muscle keeps a check on the parotid duct and prevents its inflation.

The parotid duct also has close relation to the transverse facial artery and the buccal nerves. The upper buccal nerve lies above the parotid duct along with the transverse facial artery whereas the lower buccal nerve runs below the parotid duct.

INJURY OF THE PAROTID DUCT

The injury of the parotid duct is not easy to diagnose. Early detection is helpful in prognosis and treatment. Stenting of the duct, ligation and fistuilization are the three most common operative techniques.

CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

The blockage of the duct, either by stones or external pressure, cause inflammation of the parotid gland. This is a painful condition and is known as parotitis.Most of the time it is treated by surgical intervention.