Mumps most commonly affects which glands?

Mumps most commonly affects which glands?

• A. Submandibular glands
• B. Parotid glands
• C. Sublingual glands
• D. Minor glands

Answer: (B)

Mumps most commonly causes swelling of the parotid glands. The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland and sits just in front of the ear, so when mumps inflames it, the classic presentation is periauricular cheek swelling and jaw movement pain. Other salivary glands, like the submandibular, sublingual, or minor glands, can be involved but are much less typical. This parotid involvement explains both the clinical signs and the imaging expectation of enlarged parotid tissue during acute mumps infection.

Mumps most commonly causes swelling of the parotid glands. The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland and sits just in front of the ear, so when mumps inflames it, the classic presentation is periauricular cheek swelling and jaw movement pain. Other salivary glands, like the submandibular, sublingual, or minor glands, can be involved but are much less typical. This parotid involvement explains both the clinical signs and the imaging expectation of enlarged parotid tissue during acute mumps infection.