Book review

Ten Cate's well respected standard text on ‘Oral Histology’ was first published in 1980 and 2012 saw the publication of the 8th edition of this textbook.

Over the years, the text has evolved significantly. A major objective of the latest edition, edited by Antonio Nanci, was to update and simplify the subject matter, making it more accessible to the reader. There is no doubt in my mind that this objective has been achieved.

The text is primarily aimed at undergraduates and, although the core topic is of course histology, the book embraces the exciting developments in molecular biology that inevitably impact on our understanding of biological processes.

The 377 page text is divided across 15 chapters, commencing with an overview of the oral tissues. There is a chapter on general aspects of embryology which precedes an account of orofacial embryology. Further chapters include the development of the teeth and allied tissues, and detailed histology of the various dental and orofacial structures including, for example, bone, dental tissues, salivary glands, the oral mucosa and temporomandibular joint. A new chapter on facial growth and development has been added and the final chapter addresses repair and regeneration of the oral tissues.