Parotid gland

Looks like

The largest salivary gland, a flat wedge in front of and below each ear, with the facial nerve running through it.

What it does

Makes watery saliva, released into the mouth near the upper back teeth.

Keeping it well

Mumps vaccine prevents the classic swelling; a painless lump in front of the ear needs checking, and one with facial weakness is urgent.

Its parts

• Parotid duct
• Parotid gland

Related conditions

• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Burning mouth syndrome
• Hand, foot and mouth disease
• Lichen planus
• Mouth ulcers (aphthous stomatitis)
• Mumps
• Pemphigus vulgaris
• Salivary gland stones
• Salivary gland tumours
• Sjögren's disease
• Stevens–Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis