Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

Which type of fiber is associated with transmitting sharp pain and temperature sensations?

1. A delta fibers

2. C fibers

3. A beta fibers

4. B fibers

The correct answer is: A delta fibers

The type of fiber associated with transmitting sharp pain and temperature sensations is A delta fibers. These fibers are myelinated and have a relatively large diameter, which enables them to conduct nerve impulses quickly. This rapid conduction is crucial in delivering information about intense, acute pain and temperature changes to the central nervous system almost immediately after a stimulus occurs. A delta fibers are particularly responsive to sharp, localized pain and can transmit signals related to temperature quickly, which is why they play a significant role in the immediate perception of these sensations. Their myelination and size facilitate faster conduction velocities compared to other types of fibers, enhancing the body's ability to react swiftly to potentially harmful stimuli. In contrast, C fibers, which are unmyelinated and smaller in diameter, are responsible primarily for transmitting dull, aching pain and sensations related to slow, chronic pain. A beta fibers primarily carry touch and pressure sensations rather than pain or temperature, while B fibers predominantly carry autonomic nerve impulses. Therefore, A delta fibers are the correct choice for the transmission of sharp pain and temperature sensations.