Astrocytoma most commonly arises from which cell type?

• A. Schwann cells
• B. Ependymal cells
• C. Astrocytes
• D. Oligodendrocytes

Answer: (C)

Astrocytomas arise from astrocytes, the star-shaped glial cells in the central nervous system that support neurons, maintain the extracellular environment, and contribute to the blood-brain barrier. Because astrocytomas are a type of glioma, their origin is the astrocyte lineage. Other options point to different glial cell types: Schwann cells are in the peripheral nervous system and give rise to schwannomas; ependymal cells line the ventricles and central canal and give rise to ependymomas; oligodendrocytes produce myelin in the CNS and give rise to oligodendrogliomas. So the cell type most consistent with an astrocytoma is astrocytes.