1. Facial Nerve (CN VII): This nerve is responsible for controlling facial expressions. It branches within the parotid gland, making it vulnerable to damage during surgery or injury.
2. External Carotid Artery: This major artery supplies blood to the face and neck. It branches into the superficial temporal artery and the internal maxillary artery within the parotid gland.
3. Retromandibular Vein: This vein drains blood from the face and is formed by the union of the superficial temporal vein and the maxillary vein. It passes through the parotid gland before joining the internal jugular vein.
