Pulp Autonomic Innervation — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: A — Predominantly sympathetic adrenergic vasoconstriction, with only weak parasympathetic influence
Explanation lettering: E = shown as D · D = shown as E
The principal functional autonomic supply to the dental pulp is sympathetic and adrenergic. These postganglionic fibres are concentrated around pulpal blood vessels and release noradrenaline, with neuropeptide Y as a cotransmitter, producing vasoconstriction and reducing pulpal blood flow. Parasympathetic-type fibres or mediators have been demonstrated, but their cholinergic effect is weak and their physiological importance is limited; therefore B and C overstate parasympathetic control. D is incorrect because pulpal circulation has demonstrable autonomic as well as local sensory-neuropeptide regulation. E is incorrect because somatic motor fibres innervate skeletal muscle, not the smooth muscle of pulpal vessels. Sensory trigeminal fibres are abundant in the pulp but are afferent rather than the principal autonomic efferent supply.
Reference: Olgart L. Neural control of pulpal blood flow. Critical Reviews in Oral Biology and Medicine. 1996;7(2):159-171. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8875030/