Stensen's duct
Pronunciation: STEN-senz
The excretory duct of the parotid gland that opens into the oral cavity opposite the maxillary second molar, also known as the parotid duct.
Full Definition
Stensen's duct, named after Danish anatomist Niels Stensen, is the main excretory duct of the parotid salivary gland. The duct traverses the masseter muscle and buccinator muscle before opening into the oral cavity at the parotid papilla, typically located opposite the maxillary second molar. In oral and maxillofacial surgery, this anatomical structure is critical during procedures involving the lateral face, cheek, and posterior maxilla. Injury to Stensen's duct can result in salivary fistula, sialocele formation, or permanent xerostomia. Surgeons must be particularly cautious during rhytidectomy, parotidectomy, and trauma repair in this region.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize 'Stensen's' as it is an eponym. Distinguish clearly from Wharton's duct which drains the submandibular gland.
In Context
- "Care must be taken to avoid injury to Stensen's duct during dissection of the buccal space." — Surgical technique manual
- "The patient developed a sialocele following inadvertent laceration of Stensen's duct during facial trauma repair." — Complication report