Parotid space

The parotid space is one of the seven deep compartments of the head and neck and as the name suggests is mostly filled with the parotid gland. It is the most lateral of the major spaces of the upper suprahyoid neck. The parotid space is a roughly pyramidal space, the broad elongated base facing laterally, formed by cervical fascia overlying the superficial lobe of the parotid gland, and its apex pointing medially.It is traversed by the external carotid artery, retro-mandibular vein and facial nerve. 

Boundaries:

• The space is circumscribed by the superficial layer of the deep cervical fascia.

• The superior margin is represented by the external auditory canal; apex of the mastoid process.

• The inferior margin is the inferior mandibular margin (although the parotid tail can extend further inferiorly below the angle of the mandible).

• The anterior margin is the masticator space. 

Relations: 

• Anteriorly: masticator space

• Posteromedially :carotid space

• Medially: parapharyngeal space

• Superiorly: external auditory canal and mastoid tip

• Inferiorly: posterior sub-mandibular space. 

Contents:

• parotid glands

• intraparotid lymph nodes

• intraparotid facial nerve

• external carotid artery

• retro-mandibular vein