Abstract
Background: The paired parotid glands are the largest of the major salivary glands and produces mainly serous secretions. The secretion of this gland reaches the oral cavity through single parotid duct (Stensen’s duct). The parotid duct begins at the anterior border of the gland, crosses the masseter muscle, and then pierces the buccinator muscle to reach the mucosa lining the mouth at the level of the cheek. The purpose of this study is determine the morphologic features of the parotid duct and describe an anatomical variation until now unreported.
 Methods and Findings: A total of 17 cadavers were used for this study in the Morphology Laboratory at the University of Pamplona. In a cadaver were findings: The main parotid duct originated two conducts: Left superior parotid duct and Left inferior parotid duct, is observed the criss-cross of the ducts, and then perforated the buccinator muscle and entered the oral cavity at a double parotid papilla containing a double opening, separated from each other in 0,98 mm. In the remaining 33 parotid regions (97.06%) the parotid duct is conformed to the classical descriptions given in anatomical textbooks.
 Conclusions: The parotid duct anatomy is important for duct endoscopy, lithotripsy, sialography and trans-ductal facial nerve stimulation in the early stage of facial palsy in some cases. The anatomical variations also has clinical importance for parotid gland surgery and facial cosmetic surgery. To keep in mind the parotid duct variation will reduce iatrogenic injury risks and improve diagnosis of parotid duct injury.
Highlights
The paired parotid glands are the largest of the major salivary glands in humans and weigh, on average, 15-30 g
The parotid duct anatomy is important for duct endoscopy, lithotripsy, sialography and trans-ductal facial nerve stimulation in the early stage of facial palsy in some cases
Located in the preauricular region and along the posterior surface of the mandible, each parotid gland is divided by the facial nerve into a superficial lobe and a deep lobe
Summary
The paired parotid glands are the largest of the major salivary glands in humans and weigh, on average, 15-30 g. Located in the preauricular region and along the posterior surface of the mandible, each parotid gland is divided by the facial nerve into a superficial lobe and a deep lobe. The superficial lobe, overlying the lateral surface of the masseter muscle, is defined as the part of the gland lateral to the facial nerve. The paired parotid glands are the largest of the major salivary glands and produces mainly serous secretions. The secretion of this gland reaches the oral cavity through single parotid duct (Stensen’s duct). The purpose of this study is to determine the morphologic features of the parotid duct and describe an anatomical variation until now unreported
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