Parotid Gland

By: Tim Taylor

Last Updated: Jun 11, 2015

The parotid gland is the largest of the three major pairs of salivary glands. It is located anteriorly and inferiorly to the ear between the skin and the muscle of chewing, the masseter. The parotid duct carries its contents and drains into the mouth. It is the parotid gland that becomes swollen and infected with the mumps or parotitis.