OKC Histology — NDEB AFK MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Thin uniform parakeratinised stratified squamous epithelium (6-8 cell layers) with a corrugated surface and palisaded columnar basal cells
The OKC has a distinctive histological appearance: thin, uniform, parakeratinised stratified squamous epithelium (typically 6-8 cell layers thick) with a corrugated (wavy) luminal surface, prominent palisaded and polarised columnar/cuboidal basal cells, and separation of the epithelium from the connective tissue wall (due to a fragile interface). There is typically minimal inflammation in the wall. These features distinguish it from dentigerous cysts (non-keratinised, thinner) and radicular cysts (inflamed, non-keratinised).
Reference: Neville – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th ed., 2016