The part of the tooth that contains the blood vessels and nerves is called what?

• A. Pulp
• B. Enamel
• C. Dentin
• D. Cementum

Answer: (A)

Blood vessels and nerves are housed in the tooth's pulp—the soft tissue inside the crown and the roots. This pulp supplies nutrients to the tooth and provides sensory innervation, which is why inflammation of the pulp can cause toothache. Enamel is the hard outer layer and has no blood vessels or nerves. Dentin lies beneath enamel and contains tiny tubules that can transmit sensations but does not have its own blood supply. Cementum covers the root and helps anchor the tooth in the jaw through the periodontal ligament; it also does not contain vessels or nerves. So, the part containing the blood vessels and nerves is the pulp.