Superficial parotid nodes

At a glance

English

Superficial parotid nodes

Latin (TA2)

Nodi parotidei superficiales

System

Lymphatic

Region

Head

Side

Paired, left and right

About the superficial parotid nodes

The parotid nodes are grouped around the parotid gland, which lies in front of and below the ear. The superficial parotid nodes are those that lie on the outer surface of the gland, beneath or within the parotid fascia, mostly in front of the tragus of the ear. They are distinct from the deep parotid nodes, which lie within the substance of the gland or below it.

They collect lymph from a wide strip of the side of the head: the skin of the temple and the front of the scalp on that side, the lateral parts of the eyelids and the outer corner of the eye, the side of the forehead, and the front of the auricle and the external acoustic meatus.

Their efferent vessels drain to the deep parotid nodes and to the superior deep lateral cervical nodes along the internal jugular vein.

When the eyelids or the outer part of the conjunctiva are infected, as in some forms of conjunctivitis, a tender node can often be felt just in front of the ear, and this is a useful sign. These nodes also take spread from skin cancers and melanomas of the temple, scalp, forehead and ear, so when such a cancer is treated the parotid region is examined and, if needed, a superficial parotidectomy is done. The facial nerve, which branches within the gland, must then be protected.

Course and drainage

Begins at

Afferent vessels from the temple and front of the scalp, the side of the forehead, the lateral eyelids and outer canthus, and the front of the auricle and external acoustic meatus.

Drains into

Efferent vessels pass to the deep parotid nodes and the superior deep lateral cervical nodes.

Drains

Filters lymph from the side of the face and scalp, the lateral eyelids and the ear. Tender enlargement signals eyelid or conjunctival infection; they are a site of spread for skin cancers of the temple, scalp and ear.