parotid gland [Gk, para + ous, ear; L, glans, acorn] , one of the largest pairs of salivary glands that lies at the side of the face just below and in front of the external ear. The main part of the gland is superficial, somewhat flattened, and quadrilateral. It is enclosed in a capsule continuous with the deep cervical fascia. The parotid duct starts at the anterior part of the gland and opens on the inside of the cheek opposite the second upper molar. Compare sublingual gland, submandibular gland. See also salivary gland.
