This undergraduate dental textbook aims to emphasize anatomical principles rather than detail, and to reinforce the interdependence of basic science with clinical practice. It covers all aspects of the structure of the human body, including gross anatomy, cell biology, histology, embryology, neurology and especially oral anatomy. The major aim is to emphasize the principles of structure and function of the human body because these are the key to clinical dental practice. If the principles are not fully understood, the authors feel that it becomes very difficult to apply the relevant anatomical details and relations to clinical problems. The book incorporates all those subjects which are usually found in separate textbooks of oral or dental anatomy. Oral anatomy is simply the extension of anatomical principles to the mouth and its environment. The chapters covering these aspects have been written with reference to the principles of structure and function and with the relevant clinical applications clearly emphasized. The book begins with the basics - cell and tissue structure and function and developmental anatomy - as a prelude to consideration of the bodily systems. Subsequently, the skin, locomotor, nervous and endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular systems and the gastrointestinal system, into which are incorporated the mouth and teeth, are described in turn. There is an introduction to each system as a synopsis for those students entering dental schools without a biological background and as a revision and reorientation aid for those with prior biological knowledge. Because all aspects of gross anatomy, histology and embryology of individual systems are considered together and related to their specific functions and clinical significance, students should be able to integrate these different branches of anatomical study into a coherent whole.