The parotid gland secretes its produced saliva via the parotid duct, which is also known as Stensen's duct. It is about 2.76 inches (7 centimeters) long and is the main excretory duct of the parotid gland.

The Stensen's duct leaves the parotid gland via its superior aspect. The parotid duct emerges from the anterior border of the parotid gland and passes horizontally over the lateral surface of the masseter muscle (Read more!) towards its anterior border.

When the duct reaches the mentioned border, it turns medially and pierces the buccinator muscle (Read more!) and associated buccal fat pad. Next, it goes between the buccal mucosa and buccinator muscle until it reaches the maxillary second molar tooth (Read more!). The parotid duct then pierces the buccal mucosa and enters the oral vestibule via a papilla of the parotid duct found adjacent to the mentioned tooth.

It is important to note that Stensen's duct goes adjacent to the buccal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII) and the transverse facial artery (Read more!) of the superficial temporal artery. All these mentioned structures can become damaged during injuries.

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Parotid duct (Stensen's duct)