PAROTID LYMPH NODE

The parotid lymph node lies on the caudal border of the masseter cranial to the base of the ear, under the rostrodorsal border of the parotid gland. It drains superficial structures such as, broadly, those dorsal to the palate and the ear, including the eyelids and associ­ated glands and the temporomandibular joint.

Figure 11-47 Lymphatic structures of the canine head and neck. The inset shows the approximate areas of drainage of the principal nodes. 1, Parotid lymph node; 2, mandibular lymph nodes; 3, 3', medial and lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes; 4, 4', 4", cranial, middle, and caudal deep cervical lymph nodes; 5, superficial cervical lymph nodes; 6, tracheal lymph trunk; 7, thyroid gland; 8, external jugular vein.