Читать книгу Salivary Gland Pathology - Группа авторов - Страница 47

 Although embryologically the parotid consists of a single lobe, anatomically the facial nerve lies in a distinct plane between the anatomical superficial and deep lobes.

 The parotid capsule is attenuated and incomplete where the gland lies in intimate contact with the branches of the facial nerve.

 There are fixed anatomical landmarks indicating the origin of the extracranial facial nerve as it leaves the stylomastoid foramen.

 The lower pole of the parotid gland is separated from the posterior pole of the submandibular gland by only thin fascia. This can lead to diagnostic confusion in determining the origin of a swelling in this area.

 The relationship of the submandibular salivary duct to the lingual nerve is critical to the safe removal of stones within the duct.

 Great care must be taken to identify the lingual nerve when excising the submandibular gland. The lingual nerve is attached to the gland by the parasympathetic fibers synapsing in the submandibular (sublingual) ganglion.

 The sublingual gland may drain into the submandibular duct or it may drain directly into the floor of the mouth via multiple secretory ducts.