- The zone within the dental pulp characterized by a paucity (scarcity) of cells is known as the Weil's zone or the Zone of Weil-Petersen.
- This area lies just beneath the odontoblastic layer and is notable for having relatively few cellular elements, which distinguishes it from the adjacent cell-rich zone.
- The Weil's zone primarily consists of a loosely arranged network of collagen fibers and fewer fibroblasts or pulp cells, providing a transition between the highly cellular cell-rich zone and the odontoblastic layer.

To clarify the options:
- Weil's zone (Zone of Weil-Petersen): Characterized by a scarcity of cells, hence called the cell-free zone in some texts. It contains mostly extracellular matrix and nerve fibers.
- Cell-rich zone: Located below the Weil's zone, this area contains a high density of fibroblasts and other pulp cells.
- Cell-free zone: This term is often used synonymously with Weil's zone because of the paucity of cells there.

Therefore, Weil's zone is the correct answer for the zone with a paucity of cells in the dental pulp.

Key points:
- Weil's zone is also called the cell-free zone.
- It is located just beneath the odontoblastic layer.
- Contains few cells, primarily a network of collagen fibers.
- Separates the odontoblastic layer from the more cellular cell-rich zone.

Reference: Ten Cate's Oral Histology, 9th Edition, Chapter 3: The Pulp and Periapical Tissues, Page 46-47