Which of the following is a glioma derived from the layer of epithelium that lines the ventricles and the central canal of the spinal cord?

1. A

   Ependymoma

2. B

   Astrocytoma

3. C

   Oligodendroglioma

4. D

   Choroid plexus papilloma

Appeared in: PGICH Noida NO-2025

Explanation

• Ependymoma is a type of glioma that specifically originates from ependymal cells.
• Ependymal cells are the epithelial cells that form the lining of the brain's ventricles and the central canal of the spinal cord.
• The name 'Ependymoma' directly corresponds to its cell of origin, 'ependymal cells', matching the question's description perfectly.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option B: Astrocytomas arise from astrocytes, which are supportive glial cells within the brain tissue, not the epithelial cells lining the ventricles.
• Option C: Oligodendrogliomas originate from oligodendrocytes, the cells responsible for producing the myelin sheath in the central nervous system.
• Option D: Choroid plexus papillomas arise from the epithelial cells of the choroid plexus, which is a specific structure within the ventricles that produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This is different from the general ependymal lining.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Cellular Origin of Central Nervous System Tumors as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• Understanding the cell of origin is crucial for accurate histological diagnosis, which in turn predicts tumor behavior and guides treatment strategies, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
• Ependymomas, particularly those in the fourth ventricle in children, can obstruct the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), leading to obstructive hydrocephalus. Nurses must be vigilant in monitoring for signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), such as headache, vomiting, papilledema, and changes in consciousness.
• What if? If the question had described a tumor arising from the CSF-producing tissue within the ventricles, the correct answer would have been Choroid plexus papilloma.

How to Approach the Question

• First, identify the key descriptors in the question: it's a 'glioma' (a tumor of glial cells) from the 'epithelium that lines the ventricles and the central canal'.
• Recall or deduce that the specific cells lining the ventricles are called 'ependymal cells'.
• Scan the options for a name that corresponds to this cell type. The prefix 'Ependym-' in 'Ependymoma' is a direct match.
• Confirm the choice by mentally eliminating the other options based on their known cells of origin: Astrocytoma (from astrocytes), Oligodendroglioma (from oligodendrocytes), and Choroid plexus papilloma (from choroid plexus).
• This systematic matching of location/cell type to the tumor name leads to the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Cellular Origin of Central Nervous System Tumors
• Stem keywords: glioma, epithelium, ventricles, central canal, spinal cord
• Lead-in keywords: Which of the following
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QB-jCvkl2Ztbn18gNRHni6

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 921-923

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 1294-1296