Adnexa of uterus

Adnexa of uterus
Schematic frontal view of female anatomy
Uterus and right broad ligament, seen from behind. (In this orientation, the contents "in front" of the broad ligament are posterior to it.)
Latin	adnexa uteri

The adnexa of uterus (or uterine appendages) refers to the structures most closely related structurally and functionally to the uterus.

Terminology

It can be defined in slightly different ways:

• Some sources define it as the fallopian tubes and ovaries.^[1]

• It has also been described as the "Fallopian tubes, ovaries and supporting tissues".^[2]

• Another source defines it as the "regions of the true pelvis posterior to the broad ligaments".^[3]

• One dictionary includes the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and ligaments (without specifying precisely which ligaments are included).^[4]

Clinical significance

The term "adnexitis" is sometimes used to describe an inflammation of the adnexa.^[5] In this context, it replaces the terms oophoritis and salpingitis.

The term adnexal mass is sometimes used when the location of the mass is not yet more precisely known.

63% of ectopic pregnancies present with an adnexal mass. Depending on the size of the mass, it could be a medical emergency.

Term "Adnexectomy" in Gynaecology is often used for Salpingo-Oophorectomy (removal of both: fallopian tubes and ovaries).

Additional images

• 

  Ovary

References

See also

• Adnexa

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