Parotid lymph nodes: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:10, 15 February 2025

Overview[edit]

The parotid lymph nodes are a group of lymph nodes located near the parotid gland, which is the largest of the salivary glands. These nodes play a crucial role in the lymphatic system, particularly in the drainage of lymph from the scalp, face, and ear region.

Diagram showing the location of the parotid lymph nodes.

Anatomy[edit]

The parotid lymph nodes are situated in and around the parotid gland, which is located in front of the ear and extends to the area below the ear. These nodes are part of the superficial lymph nodes of the head and neck.

Location[edit]

The parotid lymph nodes are divided into two groups:

Superficial parotid lymph nodes: These are located on the surface of the parotid gland.
Deep parotid lymph nodes: These are found within the parotid gland itself.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the parotid lymph nodes is to filter lymphatic fluid and trap pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, as well as cancer cells. They are involved in the immune response by producing lymphocytes and other immune cells.

Clinical Significance[edit]

The parotid lymph nodes can become enlarged due to infections, such as mumps or tonsillitis, or due to malignancies, such as lymphoma or metastatic cancer. Enlargement of these nodes can be a sign of underlying disease and may require further medical evaluation.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Parotid Lymph Nodes''' are a group of [[lymph nodes]] located in the vicinity of the [[parotid gland]], which is the largest of the [[salivary glands]]. They play a crucial role in the [[immune system]], helping to filter out harmful substances and fight off infections.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Parotid lymph nodes}}
-==Etymology==
+== Overview ==
-The term "parotid" is derived from the Greek words "para" meaning beside and "otid" meaning ear, referring to the gland's location near the ear. The term "lymph node" comes from the Latin "lympha" meaning water, referring to the clear fluid that circulates through them.
+The '''parotid lymph nodes''' are a group of lymph nodes located near the [[parotid gland]], which is the largest of the [[salivary glands]]. These nodes play a crucial role in the lymphatic system, particularly in the drainage of lymph from the scalp, face, and ear region.
-==Anatomy==
+[[File:Illu_quiz_hn_03.jpg|thumb|right|Diagram showing the location of the parotid lymph nodes.]]
-The parotid lymph nodes are located superficial to the [[parotid gland]]. They receive afferent lymphatic vessels from the lateral parts of the [[eyelids]], the [[conjunctiva]], the [[auricle]], and the [[external acoustic meatus]]. Efferent vessels from these nodes pass to the [[superficial cervical lymph nodes]].
-==Function==
+== Anatomy ==
-The primary function of the parotid lymph nodes, like other lymph nodes, is to produce and store cells that fight infection and disease. They filter lymph fluid, trapping bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances, which are then destroyed by special white blood cells known as [[lymphocytes]].
+The parotid lymph nodes are situated in and around the parotid gland, which is located in front of the ear and extends to the area below the ear. These nodes are part of the [[superficial lymph nodes]] of the head and neck.
-==Clinical Significance==
+=== Location ===
-Enlargement of the parotid lymph nodes can be a sign of infection or disease. This can occur in conditions such as [[mumps]], [[HIV/AIDS]], [[tuberculosis]], and [[lymphoma]]. In addition, cancer can spread to the parotid lymph nodes from other parts of the body, a process known as [[metastasis]].
+The parotid lymph nodes are divided into two groups:
-==Related Terms==
+* '''Superficial parotid lymph nodes''': These are located on the surface of the parotid gland.
+* '''Deep parotid lymph nodes''': These are found within the parotid gland itself.
+== Function ==
+The primary function of the parotid lymph nodes is to filter lymphatic fluid and trap pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, as well as cancer cells. They are involved in the immune response by producing [[lymphocytes]] and other immune cells.
+== Clinical Significance ==
+The parotid lymph nodes can become enlarged due to infections, such as [[mumps]] or [[tonsillitis]], or due to malignancies, such as [[lymphoma]] or [[metastatic cancer]]. Enlargement of these nodes can be a sign of underlying disease and may require further medical evaluation.
+== Related Pages ==
 * [[Lymphatic system]]
-* [[Lymphatic vessel]]
+* [[Parotid gland]]
-* [[Lymphocyte]]
+* [[Salivary glands]]
-* [[Metastasis]]
+* [[Lymph node]]
-[[Category:Anatomy]]
-[[Category:Immunology]]
-[[Category:Medical terminology]]
-{{stub}}
+[[Category:Lymphatic system]]
+[[Category:Head and neck anatomy]]