Which duct is commonly referred to as Stenson's duct?

Which duct is commonly referred to as Stenson's duct?

• A. Submandibular duct
• B. Parotid duct
• C. Sublingual duct
• D. Maxillary duct

Answer: (B)

Stenson's duct is the anatomical term for the duct associated with the parotid gland, which is the largest of the major salivary glands. This duct emerges from the anterior aspect of the parotid gland, runs superficial to the masseter muscle, and opens into the oral cavity at the second molar of the upper jaw. Understanding the significance of Stenson's duct is particularly important in the context of diseases affecting saliva production and conditions such as mumps or salivary gland stones, where obstruction or inflammation can occur in or around this duct. The other ducts mentioned serve different salivary glands. The submandibular duct is associated with the submandibular gland, the sublingual duct relates to the sublingual gland, and the maxillary duct does not correspond to a major salivary gland, making it irrelevant in this context. Thus, identifying Stenson's duct highlights its specific association with the parotid gland's unique anatomy and function.

Stenson's duct is the anatomical term for the duct associated with the parotid gland, which is the largest of the major salivary glands. This duct emerges from the anterior aspect of the parotid gland, runs superficial to the masseter muscle, and opens into the oral cavity at the second molar of the upper jaw. Understanding the significance of Stenson's duct is particularly important in the context of diseases affecting saliva production and conditions such as mumps or salivary gland stones, where obstruction or inflammation can occur in or around this duct.

The other ducts mentioned serve different salivary glands. The submandibular duct is associated with the submandibular gland, the sublingual duct relates to the sublingual gland, and the maxillary duct does not correspond to a major salivary gland, making it irrelevant in this context. Thus, identifying Stenson's duct highlights its specific association with the parotid gland's unique anatomy and function.