Dental Pulp Structure and Function

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What is the primary function of odontoblasts in the dental pulp?

To transmit nerve impulses

To defend against pathogens

To provide proprioception

To produce and maintain dentine (correct)

What are the three key functions of the dental pulp?

Sensitivity, production, and maintenance of dentine

Nociception, proprioception, and immune response

Production, maintenance, and repair of dentine (correct)

Sensitivity, immune response, and tooth decay

What is the name of the zone in the pulp where odontoblasts reside?

Cell-rich zone

Odontoblastic zone (correct)

Cell-free zone of Weil

Pulp core

What is the primary structure that connects the pulp to the dentine?

Dentinal tubules Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of inflammatory cells in the pulp?

To defend against pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the sensation of pain in the dental pulp?

Nociception Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of odontoblasts in the pulp?

To produce predentine, which mineralizes into mature dentine Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells are typically found in the cell-rich zone of the pulp?

Fibroblasts and undifferentiated ectomesenchymal cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the odontoblast processes within the dentine tubules?

To provide a link between the pulp and the dentine Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic shape of odontoblasts in the pulp?

Long and columnar Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of the pulp matrix?

Collagen types I and III Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the undifferentiated ectomesenchymal cells in the cell-rich zone?

To give rise to new odontoblasts or fibroblasts Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells are predominantly found in the cell-rich zone of the dental pulp?

Fibroblasts Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of fibroblasts in the cell-rich zone of the dental pulp?

Forming and maintaining the pulp matrix Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of undifferentiated ectomesenchymal cells in the cell-rich zone of the dental pulp?

To give rise to new odontoblasts or fibroblasts Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the pulp core?

To contain the principal vascular network Signup and view all the answers

What type of vessels are also found in the pulp core?

Lymph vessels Signup and view all the answers

Through which hole do nerves and vasculature enter the pulp?

Apical foramen Signup and view all the answers

What type of nerves enter the pulp through the apical foramen?

Sensory afferent nerves of the trigeminal nerve Signup and view all the answers

Where do the nerves primarily form a large network in the pulp?

Cell-free zone of the pulp Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the nerve plexus formed in the cell-free zone of the pulp?

Plexus of Raschkow Signup and view all the answers

Where do some nerve endings extend into?

Both the odontoblastic layer and dentine tubules Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the nerve endings in the dentine tubules?

To detect changes in temperature, osmolarity, and physical stimuli Signup and view all the answers

What is the cranial nerve associated with the sensory afferent nerves in the pulp?

Fifth cranial nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument against Hypothesis 1 of dentine sensitivity?

Nerve endings are not present in all dentine tubules Signup and view all the answers

What is the proposed role of odontoblasts in Hypothesis 2 of dentine sensitivity?

Acting as receptors for stimuli Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothesis suggests that fluid movement through tubules is sensed by free nerve endings?

Hypothesis 3: hydrodynamic theory Signup and view all the answers

What is the limitation of Hypothesis 2 of dentine sensitivity?

No clear indication of a synaptic connection between nerves and odontoblasts Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between nerve endings and dentine tubules according to Hypothesis 1?

Some nerve endings extend into the dentine tubules Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the structure where free nerve endings are located according to Hypothesis 3?