Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The pulp of the tooth receives its nerve supply primarily from afferent and sympathetic nerve fibers. Afferent fibers are sensory nerves that carry information from the pulp to the central nervous system, allowing the sensation of pain, temperature changes, and other stimuli. This is crucial for the tooth's response to various environmental factors, as it alerts the individual to potential issues such as caries or trauma.

Sympathetic fibers, on the other hand, are part of the autonomic nervous system and play a role in regulating blood flow within the pulp and possibly influencing the inflammatory responses. They contribute to the overall health and functionality of the pulp by controlling vasoconstriction and blood supply during different physiological conditions.

While the other options mention various types of nerve fibers, they do not accurately reflect the composition of the nerve supply specific to the pulp. Motor fibers are not present in the pulp, as there are no voluntary movements initiated from this area. Additionally, while parasympathetic fibers have functions in various bodily systems, they are not a significant component of the nerve supply to the pulp specifically. Therefore, the combination of afferent and sympathetic fibers is essential for the proper sensory and autonomic control of the pulp.