Unilateral Duplication Of Parotid Duct. A Rare Anatomical Variation

Abstract

Background: The paired parotid glands are the largest of the major salivary glands and produces mainly serous secretions. The secretion of this gland reaches the oral cavity through single parotid duct (Stensen's duct). The parotid duct begins at the anterior border of the gland, crosses the masseter muscle, and then pierces the buccinator muscle to reach the mucosa lining the mouth at the level of the cheek. The purpose of this study is to determine the morphologic features of the parotid duct and describe an anatomical variation until now unreported.