NBDE Quiz # 75

The correct answer is E. Stensen’s duct can be found within the buccal space, which is bor¬dered anteriorly by the orbicularis oris mus¬cle, posteriorly by the edge of the masseter muscle, superiorly by the zygomaticus major muscle, and inferiorly by the fascial attachment of the buccinator muscle to the mandible. The duct develops deep within the parotid gland and emerges from the superior third of the gland at its anterior border, then courses below the zygomatic arch and enters the buccal space, inserting into the buccinator and then entering the oral cavity opposite the upper second mo¬lar. The facial artery and vein, buccal branches of the facial nerve, and buccal fat pad can also be found within the buccal space. Although Stensen’s duct and branches of the facial nerve are vulnerable to inadvertent dissection in the area of the parotid gland, there are no major arterial branches in this region. The external carotid artery can be found within the angle of the mandible, while the superficial temporal artery is located within the preauricular border.The transverse facial artery is found at the zy-gomatic arch. These locations do not lie within the typical course of Stensen’s duct.