parotid duct (Stensen canal)

Introduction

The duct of the parotid gland.

Structure

• a ductal valve creates a unidirectional flow of saliva out of the gland

Course

• it passes through the masseter muscles, penetrates the buccinator & opens from the cheek into the vestibule of the mouth opposite the neck of the superior 2nd molar

More general terms

• ductus

Additional terms

• parotid gland