Salivary Glands and Lymph Nodes

The parotid and mandibular glands and the mandibular lymph nodes can be palpated caudal to the mandible. The mandibular gland is embraced by the maxillary and linguofacial veins, which join to form the external jugular vein. The parotid duct (Fig. 11.6/8) crosses the masseter, midway between two branches of the facial nerve. The duct can sometimes be palpated before it passes deep to the communicating nerves and the facial vessels to open into the cheek cavity. Accessory lobes of the parotid gland may accompany the duct. The end of this duct is occasionally transplanted into the conjunctival sac when the flow of tears is insufficient to keep the conjunctiva moist.