Give me easy diagram for parotid gland
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Here are two clear diagrams of the parotid gland from Gray's Anatomy for Students:
Diagram 1 - Position & Relations (Simple Overview)
This shows the position of the parotid gland and its key neighbors:
- Sits anterior and inferior to the ear, overlying the masseter muscle
- Bounded by the sternocleidomastoid (behind) and ramus of mandible (front)
- The parotid duct crosses the masseter and pierces the buccinator to open opposite the crown of the 2nd upper molar tooth
Diagram 2 - Detailed Relations (Lateral + Cross-Section)
(A) Lateral view shows the facial nerve [VII] branches fanning out from the gland:
- Temporal, Zygomatic, Buccal, Marginal mandibular, Cervical branches
(B) Cross-section shows structures passing through the gland (from superficial to deep):
| Structure | Notes |
|---|---|
| Facial nerve [VII] | Most superficial - exits stylomastoid foramen, divides inside gland |
| Retromandibular vein | Formed by maxillary + superficial temporal veins |
| External carotid artery | Divides into maxillary + superficial temporal arteries inside gland |
Quick Summary
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Largest salivary gland (serous) |
| Location | Pre-auricular - anterior/inferior to ear |
| Duct | Stensen's duct - opens at 2nd upper molar |
| Key nerve | Facial nerve [VII] - divides within it |
| Key vessels | External carotid artery, retromandibular vein |
| Innervation (secretomotor) | Glossopharyngeal nerve [IX] via lesser petrosal nerve |
Source: Gray's Anatomy for Students, Figs. 8.65 & 8.267
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