Girish Mahajan (Editor)

Uterine appendages

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Latin
  
adnexa uteri

Uterine appendages

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

Contents

Terminology

They can be defined in slightly different ways:

  • Some sources define the adnexa as the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
  • Others include the supporting tissues".
  • Another source defines the appendages as the "regions of the true pelvis posterior to the broad ligaments".
  • One dictionary includes the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and ligaments (without specifying precisely which ligaments are included).

    • Clinical significance

    The term "adnexitis" is sometimes used to describe an inflammation of the uterine appendages (adnexa). In this context, it replaces the terms oophoritis and salpingitis.

    The term adnexal mass is sometimes used when the location of a uterine 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).

    References

    Uterine appendages Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA