Physiology of the Pulp Flashcards
Describe the basic physiological features of a tooth
- Enamel as the outermost layer
- Dentine comes next
- Pulp comes next
- PDL and periodontal membrane present outside root dentine
- Cementum attaches PDL to dentine
Describe 4 features of the form of dental pulp
- Loose connective tissue in tooth
- Made up of combination of cells in ECM of fibres
- Enclosed by dentine except at apex where continuous with PDL
- Relatively small volume in tooth
Name 3 functions of the dental pulp
- Maintain health of dentine by providing nutrients
- Provides pathway for sensory impulses
- Initiates and controls repair of dentine when damaged
What 2 things make up the pulp?
- ECM / Ground substance
2. Cells
What part of the pulp is responsible for the water-holding properties?
ECM
Name 3 types of glycoproteins in the dental pulp
- Proteoglycans
- Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)
- Fibronectin
What are proteoglycans?
Consist of a core of proteins surrounded by GAGs
What are GAGs?
Long chain carbohydrate molecules which retain water to form a gel
What is the role of fibronectin?
Major role as an anchor protein
What are 2 types of structural proteins found in the pulp?
- Collagen
2. Elastin
Describe collagen as a component of the pulp
Makes up around 1/3 of dry weight of pulp and confers structure to tissue by maintaining position of vessels, nerves and cells
Describe elastin as a components of the pulp
Present only in the walls of blood vessels of the dental pulp
Name 4 types of cells found in the pulp
- Odontoblasts
- Fibroblasts
- Defence cells
- Stem cells
Describe odontoblasts found in the pulp
- Form outermost stratum of cells in healthy pulp
- Most highly differentiated cells of pulp
- Produce components of predentine and dentine including collagen
- Series of specialised junctions between adjacent odontoblasts
Describe 2 components of the ultrastructure of mature odontoblasts in the pulp
- Cytoplasmic process which extends into dentinal tubule
2. Smaller processes link odontoblast with neighbouring odontoblasts and fibroblasts