Gliomas are tumours derived from which cell type?

• A. Lymphocytes
• B. Neurons
• C. Glial cells
• D. Epithelial cells

Answer: (C)

Glial cells are the supportive cells of the brain and spinal cord, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells. Gliomas arise from these glial elements, which can proliferate abnormally, giving rise to tumor growth. Neurons are the primary signaling cells and are largely non-dividing, so they are not the source of gliomas. Lymphocytes are immune cells and epithelial cells line surfaces, so tumors from those origins are not gliomas. Knowing that gliomas come from glial cells helps explain why these tumors include astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and glioblastomas.