Tags: Anatomical Structure.
The parotid gland is a major salivary gland in humans. It is a bilateral structure and the largest of the salivary glands. It is wrapped around the mandibular ramus and secretes saliva through the Stensen duct (or parotid duct) into the oral cavity to facilitate mastication and swallowing and to begin the digestion of starches. The word ‘parotid’ (paraotic) literally means around the ear.
