PREFACE
The scope of this new edition of Ten Cate's Oral Histology remains to provide a solid treatise in oral histology with emphasis on structure- function relationships. The updates in information, in some cases, may appear subtle, and in others are more significant. The textbook now contains a general section on the nervous system, and the chapter on facial development and growth has been substantially revised. "Boxed" texts by key protagonists have been added to provide broader pictures, present novel concepts, and discuss topics of clinical relevance.

This edition continues the tradition originally established by A.R. Ten Cate and is intended to serve as a learning guide for students in a variety of disciplines. The first chapter provides an overview of the subject matter covered in the textbook and sets the stage for a subsequent detailed treatise by topics. Although coverage is exhaustive, the text has been structured such that individual chapters and even selected sections can be used independently. Distinctively, the focus continues to be on learning and understanding concepts rather than on memorization of detail, particularly numerical values. Thus dental hygienists, medical students, and undergradu- ate and graduate dental students as well as oral health researchers will all find a degree of coverage suited for their respective needs.