HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which term pertains to the sensation in dentistry?

1. Afferent

2. Sensory

3. Efferent

4. Motor

The correct answer is: Sensory

The term "sensory" in dentistry specifically pertains to the sensation related to the sensory pathways that carry information from the body's sensory receptors to the brain. This is critical in dental practice, as the sensation is integral to recognizing pain, pressure, and other stimuli during dental procedures. Sensory nerves are responsible for transmitting these sensations, which helps the dental professional understand the patient's comfort level and response to treatment. In contrast, the afferent term refers to nerves that carry signals toward the central nervous system, but it does not specifically denote sensation on its own. Efferent refers to nerves that transmit signals away from the central nervous system to muscles or glands, which is unrelated to sensation. Lastly, motor pertains specifically to movement and is associated with motor nerves that control muscle actions, not sensory information. Therefore, "sensory" is the most appropriate term related to sensations in a dental context.