<P> The word parotid (paraotic) literally means "beside the ear". </P> <P> The parotid glands are a pair of mainly serous salivary glands located below and in front of each ear canal, draining their secretions into the vestibule of the mouth through the parotid duct . Each gland lies behind the mandibular ramus and in front of the mastoid process of the temporal bone . The gland can be felt on either side, by feeling in front of each ear, along the cheek, and below the angle of the mandible . </P> <P> The parotid duct, a long excretory duct, emerges from the front of each gland, superficial to the masseter muscle . The duct pierces the buccinator muscle, then opens into the mouth on the inner surface of the cheek, usually opposite the maxillary second molar . The parotid papilla is a small elevation of tissue that marks the opening of the parotid duct on the inner surface of the cheek . </P> <P> The gland has four surfaces--superficial or lateral, superior, anteromedial, and posteromedial . The gland has three borders--anterior, medial, and posterior . The parotid gland has two ends--superior end in the form of small superior surface and an inferior end (apex). </P>

Where does the parotid duct open in the mouth