Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) Practice Exam

Adenocarcinomas arise from which type of tissue?

1. Muscle tissue

2. Nervous tissue

3. Glandular tissue

4. Connective tissue

The correct answer is: Glandular tissue

Adenocarcinomas specifically originate from glandular tissue, which is a type of epithelial tissue that is responsible for producing and secreting substances such as enzymes, hormones, and mucus. These tumors can develop in various organs that contain glandular structures, including the breast, prostate, pancreas, and colon, among others. Glandular tissue is characterized by its ability to form glands, which are clusters of cells that produce and release fluids or hormones. The malignant transformation of these gland cells results in adenocarcinoma, a subtype of carcinoma, indicating that it arises from epithelial tissue. Other choices, while representing important tissue types in the body, do not contribute to the origin of adenocarcinomas. Muscle tissue is primarily associated with movement, nervous tissue deals with the control of body functions and responses, and connective tissue provides support and structure to organs. Therefore, only glandular tissue is responsible for the formation of adenocarcinomas.