Which salivary gland duct travels behind the palatine tonsils?

From the Research

The parotid gland duct, also known as Stensen's duct or the parotid duct, travels behind the palatine tonsils. This duct carries saliva from the parotid gland, which is the largest of the major salivary glands, to the oral cavity. The parotid duct emerges from the anterior border of the parotid gland, crosses the masseter muscle, pierces the buccinator muscle, and then opens into the oral cavity opposite the second upper molar tooth. As it travels, the duct passes posterior to the palatine tonsils, which are located between the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches in the oropharynx. This anatomical relationship is clinically significant because inflammation or infection of the tonsils (tonsillitis) can potentially affect the function of the parotid duct, and conversely, issues with the parotid gland or duct can sometimes manifest symptoms near the tonsillar region.

According to the most recent study 1, knowledge of anatomy is essential to the understanding of disease and conditions of the oral cavity and salivary glands. The study highlights the importance of understanding the anatomy of the oral cavity, its subsites, and that of the neighboring salivary glands.

Some key points to consider:

• The parotid gland is the largest of the major salivary glands and produces saliva that is secreted into the mouth via the parotid duct (Stensen's duct) 2.
• The submandibular gland lies inferior to the body of the mandible and is susceptible to sialolithiases, with drainage via the duct of the submandibular gland (Wharton's duct) into the floor of the mouth on either side of the lingual frenulum 2.
• The sublingual glands are situated under the mucosa in the floor of the mouth, on the sides of the tongue, and are in relationship to important nerves in the surrounding tissue 2.

However, the most recent and highest quality study 1 does not provide specific information on the salivary gland duct that travels behind the tonsils, but based on general anatomy, the parotid gland duct is the one that travels behind the palatine tonsils.