SUSA, SEIRA R.

DMD2-CBB1

PULP

1. Draw diagrammatically the dental pulp and label its structures.

 2. In a tabulated form, identify the histologic/microscopic components of the pulp, its location, and function.

Histologic/ Microscopic Components of Location Function

the Pulp
A. Cellular
1. Fibroblasts – typical Numerous in coronal pulp -Collagen fiber formation
stellate shape and (cell-rich zone) -Important role in
extensive process that inflammation and healing
contact and are joined -Form and maintain pulp
by the intercellular matrix which contain
junctions to the collagen and ground
processes of other substance.
fibroblasts
2. Odontoblasts -Located at the periphery -Dentin matrix production
of the pulp
-Adjacent to predentin with
cell bodies in the pulp and
cell processes in the
dentinal tubules
3. Undifferentiated -Found along the pulp -Differentiate into
Mesenchymal cells vessels, in the cell-rich zone odontoblasts, fibroblasts, or
-appear larger than and scattered throughout macrophages when needed.
fibroblasts and are the central pulp.
polyhedral in shape
with peripheral
processes and large
oval staining nuclei.
4. Pulpal Stem Cells -Found in higher -Has the potential for
concentration in coronal odontoblasts differentiation
pulp than in radicular pulp and dentin repair at sites of
injury.
5. Histiocyte/Macrophage -Usually found along the Elimination of dead cells
capillaries
-Tend to be located
throughout the pulp center
6. Dendritic Cells -Found in and around the -Has a role in
odontoblasts layer in non- immunosurveillance
erupted teeth and beneath -Capture and present foreign
the odontoblasts in antigen to the T cells
erupted teeth.
7. Plasma Cells- nuclei -Cell rich zone of the pulp. -Present in inflammation
appear small and -Function in the production
concentric in cytoplasm of antibodies
8. Lymphocytes (T- -Found extravascularly in -Function in inflammation
lymphocytes) and the normal pulp -Antigen recognition
Eosinophils -Involved in initial
immunodefense.
9. Mast Cell -Seen along vessels in the -These cells release granules
 inflamed pulp filled with chemicals that
cause inflammation such as
histamine.
10. Pericytes- cells with -Located at the periphery -Have contractile properties
round or oval nuclei of capillaries at random and is capable of reducing
interval the size of capillary lumen.
-Found outside the
endothelial wall where
endothelial cells are found
B. Intercellular Substances
1. Collagen Fibers (Type I -Appear throughout the -These fibers form a loose,
and III) – exhibit a pulp reticular network to support
typical cross striations -More prevalent in root other structural elements of
canals, especially near the the pulp
apical region
2. Ground Substance – -Appear throughout the -Supports the cells and act as
principally composed of pulp a medium for transport of
glycosaminoglycans, nutrients from the
glycoproteins, and vasculature to the cells, and
water of metabolites from the cells
to the vasculature.
C. Blood Vessels
1. Veins and Venules -Appear in the central -Drains from the pulp
-wider, thin, irregular region of the root pulp
walls (Pulp core)
2. Arteries and arterioles Pulp core -Supplies blood to the pulp
– thicker walls and
straight course
3. Capillaries -thinner Pulp core -Function as exchange
walls; consists of a vessels regulating the
single layer of transport of diffusion of
endothelium substances between the
surrounded by the blood to local interstitial
basement membrane. tissue elements

D. Nerves – from the mandibular Pulp core -Non-myelinated

and maxillary branches of the
fifth cranial nerve
E. Nerve Endings
F. Lymphatic Vessels
sympathetic nerve function
for vasoconstriction
-Myelinated nerve fibers
mediates sensation of pain
-Found terminating in or -Function in pain reception
near odontoblasts layer
with few penetrating into
the dentin.
-More nerve endings are
found in the pulp horn than
in other peripheral areas of
the coronal pulp
Pulp core -Collect waste and impurities
and carry such impurities to
the regional nodes to be
collected by efferent vessels
of thoracic duct to the
 subclavian vein and back to
circulation.

3. Trace the afferent blood circulation of the tooth 14.

Right Atrium Right Ventricle  Pulmonary artery Lungs Pulmonary Veins Left Atrium
|
Internal Maxillary Artery  External Carotid Artery  Common Carotid Artery  Aorta
|
Pterygopalatine ArteryPosterior Superior Alveolar ArteryMaxillary right first premolar (14)

REFERENCES:

Avendano, E.V. (1983). Compendium of Oral Histology and Embryology (Revised Edition). Philippines.

JMC press.

Bhaskar, S. N. (2015). Orban’s Oral Histology and Embryology (14 th Edition). India. Reed Elsevier India

Pvt. Ltd.

Nanci, A. (2018). Ten Cate’s oral Histology (9 th Edition). China. Elsevier.