[4] The exit of the parotid ducts can be felt as small bumps (papillae) on both sides of the mouth that usually positioned next to the maxillary second molar.

[citation needed] The buccinator acts as a valve that prevents air forcing into the duct, which would cause pneumoparotitis.

[5] The parotid duct lies close to the buccal branch of the facial nerve (VII).

[2] Running along with the duct superiorly is the transverse facial artery, and the upper buccal nerve.

[2] The parotid duct is named after Nicolas Steno (1638–1686), also known as Niels Stensen, a Danish anatomist (albeit best known as a geologist) credited with its detailed description in 1660.