Health Encyclopedia

Parotid Gland

Parotid Gland

Picture of the parotid gland

Illustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

Parotid glands secrete saliva into the mouth. The saliva moistens the mouth to help a person chew and swallow food. Saliva also contains substances (enzymes) that begin the breakdown of food.

One parotid gland is located in front of and below each ear. The pair of parotid glands is the largest of the three main types of salivary glands.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology
Last Revised July 28, 2011

Last Revised: July 28, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD, MD - Family Medicine & Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology

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