Reviewer: Anamarija Perry, MD (University of Michigan Medical School)
Description: Solid knowledge of normal histology is essential for practicing pathologists as well as pathologists in training. However, in many pathology training programs, there is no strong emphasis on learning "normal," and therefore pathologists' knowledge of normal histology has to be continuously refreshed during their career. This is the fifth edition of one of the most popular textbooks on normal tissue histology. The previous edition was published in 2012.
Purpose: The purpose is to bridge the gap between normal histology and pathological alterations. Compared to the previous edition, this one has been updated and chapters on some topics such as joints, anus, vulva, parathyroid, and paraganglia have been greatly revised. Moreover, it includes a number of new authors with fresh perspectives. Illustrations have been improved and updated.
Audience: This book will be useful primarily to pathology trainees and practicing pathologists, Additionally, medical students could also find it useful.
Features: The book is divided into 11 sections that cover all the organs/tissues: cutaneous tissue, breast, musculoskeletal system, nervous system, head and neck, thorax and serous membranes, alimentary tract, hematopoietic system, genitourinary tract, female genital system, and endocrine. Individual chapters are organized in a relatively uniform format and cover embryology/development, basic anatomy and function, histology and pertinent immunohistochemistry, as well as some important diagnostic considerations depending on the organ (e.g. reactive changes, artifacts, etc.). The focus is on normal histological features, which are described in great detail. The book is well illustrated with numerous gross and microscopic images, figures, diagrams, and tables. The microscopic images are carefully chosen, are of excellent quality, and are accompanied by concise and informative captions. Images of immunohistochemical staining as well as special stains also nicely complement the text. The book contains a number of electron microscopy images, also of excellent quality. Figures and diagrams nicely illustrate and clarify relationships between different structures. The index is comprehensive and useful.
Assessment: This remains one of the most popular textbooks in pathology. It is comprehensive and covers histological features of different organs and tissues in great detail. However, it goes one step further and, in authors' own words, bridges the gap between normal histology and pathological alterations, as it covers a wide array of histological pitfalls, artifacts, incidental findings, as well as some reactive and inflammatory changes. The excellent quality and educational value of gross and histological images are highlights. This is probably the only histology book that a pathologist would ever need, and I would highly recommend it.
