Microvasculature of dental pulp

Below are the parts of the dental pulp. You can click on each part in the picture for an enlarged view.

  • Subodontoblastic capillaries (SC)
  • Terminal arterioles (TA)
  • Precapillary sphincters (PC)
  • Postcapillary venules (PCV)
  • Arteriovenous anastomosis (AVA)
  • Lymphatic channels (LC)

The subodontoblastic capillary plexus (5) form a loop adjacent to the odontoblasts and return blood into the low pressure venules (PCV). The TA and PC control blood flow into specific subodontoblastic capillaries. Localized vasodilation will increase blood flow toward the adjacent odontoblasts and pulpal tissue; however, localized vasoconstriction will redirect blood flow through the AVA.


Figure 9 Subodontoblastic capillaries Postcapillary venules Terminal arterioles Precapillary sphincters Subodontoblastic capillaries Lymphatic channels Arteriovenous anastomosis

           


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