Accessory parotid gland

The accessory parotid gland is a small, detached portion of parotid tissue situated anterior to the main parotid gland, lying on the superficial surface of the masseter muscle. It is connected to the main gland by small ductules that commonly drain into the parotid duct (Stensens duct).

The accessory gland lies superior to the parotid duct and is closely related to the buccal branches of the facial nerve and the transverse facial artery. Histologically, it resembles the main parotid gland and consists predominantly of serous acini.