Physiology & Biochemistry · single question
Lingering, dull toothache pain (as in pulpitis) is primarily transmitted by which nerve fiber type?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. C fibers (unmyelinated)
C fibers transmit dull, aching, poorly localized, and LINGERING pain — characteristic of pulpitis. A-delta fibers carry sharp, fast, initial pain.
- A. B fibers are preganglionic autonomic fibers involved in autonomic function, not nociception.
- B. CORRECT. C fibers (unmyelinated, 0.5-2 m/s) transmit dull, aching, burning, and LINGERING pain. In pulpitis, the persistent pain after stimulus removal is C-fiber mediated.
- C. A-delta fibers transmit SHARP, fast, well-localized pain — the initial response to cold or sharp stimuli. They do not transmit the lingering dull pain of pulpitis.
- D. A-beta fibers are associated with light touch and proprioception — not pain transmission.
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