Parotid Gland : Mnemonics

Relations

Anterior: 3 “M”

• Mandible ramus
• Medial pterygoid (medially)
• Masseter (laterally)

Posterior: Mastoid and attachments

• Mastoid
• SCM
• Posterior belly of Digastric

Medial (Parotid bed): VANS

• 1 Vein (IJV)
  • Deep in floor of parotid bed
• 2 Arteries (ECA and ICA)
  • Anterior to vein
• 4 Nerves (last 4 cranial nerves, i.e., CN IX, X, XI, XII)
  • CN IX (related to “S” muscles)
  • CN X (between ICA and IJV)
  • CN XI and XII (superficial to carotid sheath but proceeding downward behind the posterior belly of digastric muscle)
• 4″S” structures (Styloid process with 3 “S” muscles) –
  • Styloglossus
  • Stylopharyngeus
  • Stylohyoid

Structures traversing the parotid gland

Mnemonic: FACER

1. Facial nerve and terminal branches
2. Auriculotemporal nerve (CN V3)
3. Carotid artery – External (provides arterial supply)
4. Retromandibular vein (provides venous drainage)

Parotid gland innervation

1. Parasympathetic: Secretomotor (from Otic ganglion) – Serous, water rich saliva

Mnemonic: PAR–O–T–Id G–L–And

PARotid gland ← Auriculotemporal nerve ← Otic ganglion ← Lesser petrosal nerve ← Tympanic plexus ← Glossopharyngeal nerve ← Inferior salivatory nucleus

Another mnemonic is: IT has Lesser Options Anywhere

• Inferior salivatory nucleus
• Tympanic branch of CN IX
• Lesser petrosal nerve
• Otic ganglion
• Auriculotemporal nerve

2. Sympathetic: Superior cervical ganglion – Enzyme rich saliva

3. Sensory: Greater auricular nerve