224 THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 



groove on the superior aspect of the parotid, it may be com- 

 pressed when the gland is enlarged. This condition may give 

 rise not only to painful symptoms but also to a slight degree 

 of deafness. 



A small portion of the facial process is occasionally quite 

 separate from the rest of the gland. It lies immediately above 

 the duct and is termed the accessory parotid (socia parotidis). 

 In acute parotitis it forms a discrete little swelling in the 

 cheek, and may then be mistaken for an inflamed lymph gland. 



The lymph vessels of the gland pass to the anterior auricular 

 (p. 222) and the parotid lymph glands, and thence to the deep 

 cervical lymph glands. 



The Submaxillary Salivary Gland lies under cover of 

 the posterior part of the body of the mandible and is situated 

 above the level of the hyoid bone. The main part of the 

 gland is superficial and is in contact with the deep cervical 

 fascia. Its duct passes forwards and upwards and opens 

 through the mucous membrane of the floor of the mouth. 

 Its orifice is placed on the summit of a small papilla, which 

 is situated close to the frenulum of the tongue. 



The Sublingual Gland lies under cover of the anterior 

 part of the body of the mandible and is more deeply placed 

 than the submaxillary gland, since it is separated from the 

 deep cervical fascia by the mylo-hyoid muscle (p. 72). Its 

 superior border is in contact with the mucous membrane of 

 the anterior part of the floor of the mouth and forms a slight 

 bulge, which may be recognised with the tip of the tongue. 

 The bulging is rendered more prominent if the finger is 

 insinuated under the body of the mandible opposite the canine 

 tooth and is thrust upwards. 



When the mouth is opened and the tip of the tongue is 

 elevated, a fold of mucous membrane is seen in the lateral 

 part of the floor of the mouth. This fold is termed the plica 

 sublingualis and it indicates the position of the sublingual 

 gland. It is pierced by the sublingual ducts, which vary in 

 number from 8 to 20. 



