Salivary Glands

Question 1

Why does inflammation of the parotid lead to otalgia?

Answer 1

The auricotemporal nerve (V3) provides sensory innervation to both the parotid and the external ear

Question 2

What are the smallest of the 3 glands?

Where are they found?

Answer 2

Sublingual

Almond shaped glands found underneath the tongue

Question 3

What nerve is most at risk during removal of the parotid gland?

What nerve is most at risk during surgery on the submandibular gland?

Answer 3

parotid - facial

Submandibular - mandibular branch of the facial nerve (hypoglossal and linguinal nerves are rarely affected)

Question 4

What muscle does the parotid gland sit posterior to?

Answer 4

Masseter

Question 5

What is sialadenitis?

What can it commonly occur secondary to?

Answer 5

Inflammation of the salivary gland

Stones

Question 6

What salivary gland is most likely to get stones present?

Answer 6

Submandibular

Question 7

What is Ludwing’s angina?

what puts you at increased risk?

Answer 7

bacterial cellulitis of the floor of the mouth

• poor dental care
• stones in submandibular gland which becomes infected
• immunocompromised

Question 8

What would occur as a result of damage to the linguinal nerve?

What cranial nerve does the linguinal nerve belong to?

Answer 8

Loss of taste sensation over affected side

CN VII