Dental Pulp Cells — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Fibroblasts
Fibroblasts are the most abundant cells in normal dental pulp. They synthesise and maintain the pulpal extracellular matrix and also contribute to tissue defence and repair. Mast cells may be present as part of the pulp's immune-cell population, but they are much less numerous. Osteoblasts are bone-forming cells and are not normal resident pulpal cells. Ameloblasts form enamel during tooth development and are lost from the tooth surface after eruption. Chondrocytes are the resident cells of cartilage, which is not a component of normal dental pulp. Therefore, fibroblasts are the single best answer.
Reference: Álvarez-Vásquez JL, Castañeda-Alvarado CP. Dental Pulp Fibroblast: A Star Cell. Journal of Endodontics. 2022;48(8):1005-1019. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35577145/