Abstract:

Objective To partition human parotid gland on the body surface anatomically based on radiological images of parotid tumors. Methods According to parotid tumors computed tomography (CT) images, the method of partitioning parotid gland was proposed in this study. Line A and B were determined by the several landmarks such as alae nasi, angle of mouth, earlobe and posterior margin of mandibular ramus, which partitioned parotid gland into regions Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ. Parotid regions were dissected and observed in cadavers. Regions of tumors shown in parotid CT images were analyzed according to the partition method. Results Branches of facial nerve, great auricular nerve, external jugular vein and retromandibular vein appeared frequently in region Ⅰ of parotid gland. Branches of facial nerve and transverse facial artery appeared frequently in region Ⅱ. Auriculotemporal nerve and superficial temporal artery and vein appeared frequently in region Ⅲ. Based on analyzing the CT images of parotid glands, it could be concluded that tumor incidence in region Ⅰ is the highest rate among the tumors which grew in only one region, that no tumor grew in both region Ⅰ and region Ⅱ, and that the tumors which grew in both two regions are those who have relative large volume, among which 62.5% tumors have larger than 3 cm diameters. Conclusion The method of partitioning parotid gland anatomically has the value of anatomy and tumor biology based on this research, which could be valuable for parotid tumor resection clinically.

Key words: Parotid gland, Tumor, Partition, Anatomy, Radiology, Human