Neuroendocrine tumours originate from which cells?

• A. Epithelial cells
• B. Neurons
• C. Blood-forming cells
• D. Hormone-producing neuroendocrine cells

Answer: (D)

Neuroendocrine tumors come from hormone-producing neuroendocrine cells, which have features of both nerve cells and endocrine cells. These cells release hormones into the bloodstream in response to neural signals, and when a tumor arises from them, it’s classified as a neuroendocrine tumor. Epithelial cells form lining or glandular tissue and typically produce carcinomas, not neuroendocrine tumors. Neurons are purely nervous cells without the hormone-secreting endocrine function. Blood-forming cells give rise to hematologic cancers, not neuroendocrine tumors.