The parotid duct is also known as Stensen's duct. Saliva from the parotid gland passes through it to the mouth.

It pierces the buccal fat, buccopharyngeal fascia and buccinator muscle then opens into the vestibule of the mouth opposite the upper 2nd molar tooth. The buccinator acts as a valve which prevents inflation of the duct during blowing. Running along with the duct superiorly is the transverse facial artery and upper buccal nerve, inferiorly is the lower buccal nerve.

Blockage, whether caused by salivary duct stones or external compression, may cause pain and swelling of the parotid gland (parotitis)

External links

• Diagram at MSU
• - Parotid duct injuries