Free A Spinal Exam 4 Practice

Where does the parotid duct open?

Floor of mouth Posterior tongue Lips Oral vestibule near the second maxillary molar

Correct Answer:

Oral vestibule near the second maxillary molar

Explanation:

The parotid duct (Stensen’s duct) carries saliva from the parotid gland into the mouth and opens into the oral cavity at the parotid papilla, which is on the inner cheek in the oral vestibule opposite the second upper (maxillary) molar. It travels forward, passes through the buccinator muscle, and exits at that papilla near the second molar. This is the reason the correct location is the oral vestibule near the second maxillary molar. The other sites don’t match where the parotid duct drains: the floor of the mouth is associated with other glands, the posterior tongue isn’t a drainage point, and the lips are not where the parotid duct opens.

Access more questions from this quiz

Continue to Free A Spinal Exam 4 Practice for more practice questions and the full quiz experience.

Access More Questions