Deep part of parotid gland

The deep part of parotid gland (a.k.a. the deep lobe of parotid gland) is the smaller portion of the gland situated medial to the facial nerve and behind the ramus of the mandible. It extends into the parapharyngeal region and is related medially to the styloid apparatus, lateral wall of the pharynx, and carotid sheath structures.

Unlike the superficial lobe, lesions of the deep lobe of parotid gland may not produce obvious external facial swelling and can instead present as a bulge in the tonsillar or lateral pharyngeal region. Surgical access to the deep lobe is more difficult because of its close relationship to the facial nerve and major neurovascular structures.