Final answer:
The parotid gland contains the parotid duct, secretory acinar cells, and ductal cells, and is associated with crucial nerves like the facial nerve. It is situated anterior to the ear and is the largest of the salivary glands. Conditions such as mumps can affect the gland, causing swelling and pain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Structures Within the Parotid Gland
The parotid gland is one of the three major salivary glands alongside the submandibular and sublingual glands. It is the largest of the salivary glands, located on the sides of the face, anterior to the ear. Within the parotid gland, the most significant structure is the parotid duct, also known as Stensen's duct, which transports saliva into the oral cavity, typically opening near the second upper molar tooth.
Moreover, the parotid gland is also associated with several important nerves, among them the facial nerve (Cranial nerve VII), which courses through the gland and divides into various branches. Additionally, the gland is surrounded by structures such as the masseter muscle, and its encapsulating fascia. Within the gland's tissue, there are secretory acinar cells and ductal cells that produce and conduct saliva respectively.
A mentionable health condition relating to the parotid gland is mumps, which is a viral infection caused by the paramyxovirus that can lead to homeostatic imbalance through enlargement and inflammation of the parotid glands. Symptoms can include fever, throat pain, and the characteristic swelling between the ears and the jaw.