The parotid gland (often simply “parotid”) is a major salivary gland in many animals. In humans, the two parotid glands occur near the mouth and the left ear and the mouth and right ear. They are the largest of the salivary glands. Each parotid is wrapped around the mandibular ramus, and secretes saliva through the Stensen duct (or parotid duct) into the mouth, to facilitate mastication and swallowing and to begin the digestion of starches.