Topographic examination of the parotid duct in human adult cadavers

Objective: Limited literature is available regarding studies on the topographic relationship of the parotid duct and surrounding structures. Our study aimed to investigate the distance of the parotid duct from clinically significant reference points, the course of its trace on the skin, its relationship with zygomatic and buccal branches of facial nerve, and to compare its position with buccal fat pad and facial vein. Materials and Methods: Measurements were taken on the relationship between the parotid duct and surrounding structures in 16 dissected halves of 8 formaldehyde, glyserol and etanol-fixed cadaver heads obtained through bilateral dissection. Findings: Our study observed that the parotid duct is situated around an average of 1,5 cm around the reference line extending between the intertragic notch and cheilion. At an average of 1,75 points, it was found to be crossed by buccal nerves. The distance between the most distal point of the parotid duct and facial vein was measured as 2,04 1,56 mm, while the canal was found to be crossed by facial vein in 19% of cases. Additionally, our study identified that in comparison with the buccal fat pad, the most common type regarding the position of the parotid duct was seen in 7 cases where the canal crossed superficial to the buccal fat pad. Conclusion: We believe that these data regarding the morphometric characteristics of the parotid duct and its topographic relationship with surrounding anatomical structures will benefit clinicians and researchers in parotid surgery, as well as in surgical procedures, interventions, and investigations related to the lateral face. Key words: cadaver, measurements, parotid duct, stenson, topogaphy