The adnexa refers to the area on either side of the uterus that contains the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and their supporting ligaments and blood vessels. In pelvic ultrasound, evaluating the adnexa is a routine and important part of every examination because many gynecological conditions, including ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancies, and tumors, occur in this region. Sonographers carefully scan both the right and left adnexa in multiple planes to document any masses, fluid collections, or other abnormalities. The term is used broadly in clinical medicine, so a report stating “right adnexal mass” means there is an abnormal finding in the area next to the right side of the uterus.
Sonography Term