Parotid Gland: Anatomy, Innervation And Clinical Aspects

Parotid Gland: Anatomy, Innervation And Clinical Aspects

Describe the development of the parotid gland in brief.
Answer.

• It develops as a furrow/groove arising from the ectodermal lining of the stomodeum between the mandibular and maxillary arches at the site of the future lateral angle of the mouth.
• The ectodermal groove is converted into a tube.
• The anterior part of the tube forms the parotid duct.
• The posterior part of the tube branches rapidly in the substance of the cheek and forms the parenchyma, i.e. glandular substance.
• Supporting tissue of the gland develops from surrounding mesenchyme.