Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Practice Exam

Which primary tumor type arises from the cells of the anterior pituitary?

1. Pituitary adenoma

2. Meningioma

3. Neurofibroma

4. Embryonal tumor

The correct answer is: Pituitary adenoma

The primary tumor type that arises from the cells of the anterior pituitary is a pituitary adenoma. These tumors develop from the glandular cells of the anterior pituitary and can lead to various hormonal imbalances depending on the type of hormone produced by the adenoma. For example, a prolactin-secreting adenoma can cause hyperprolactinemia, leading to symptoms such as galactorrhea and menstrual irregularities in women, while a growth hormone-secreting adenoma can result in acromegaly or gigantism. Understanding the nature of pituitary adenomas is crucial for managing the potential effects these tumors have on the body's endocrine system. This type of tumor also represents the most common neoplasm found in the pituitary gland and can have significant clinical implications, including complications from mass effect on surrounding structures in the sella turcica. Other tumor types listed do not originate from the anterior pituitary; meningiomas arise from the meninges, neurofibromas develop from nerve sheath cells, and embryonal tumors, such as neuroblastomas or teratomas, arise from immature precursor cells. Therefore, pituitary adenoma stands out as the correct answer due to its direct origin from anterior pituitary cells