What type of tumor arises from a developing retinal cell?

Retinoblastoma is the correct answer because it specifically arises from the retinal cells during their development. This type of tumor typically affects children, often presenting in the first few years of life. Retinoblastoma is linked to genetic mutations that affect the RB1 gene, which plays a crucial role in regulating cell division and preventing tumor formation in retinal cells.

Neuroblastoma, while a malignant tumor found in children, originates from neural crest cells, which can develop into various types of neural tissues, but it is not specifically associated with retinal development. Melanoma arises from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment in the skin and is not related to the retina. Astrocytoma is a type of brain tumor originating from astrocytes, supportive cells in the nervous system, and does not involve retinal cells either. Thus, retinoblastoma is uniquely positioned as a tumor directly connected to the development of retinal cells.