adnexed

Adnexed is an anatomical adjective used to describe something that is connected with, adjacent to, or associated with adnexa—the appendages or accessory structures of an organ. Adnexa are not the primary body part but its attached or surrounding elements. The term is used across medical specialties to convey spatial relationships in a neutral way.

Usage in medical contexts is common across gynecology, ophthalmology, dermatology, and other fields. In gynecology, the adnexa refer to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and surrounding supporting structures; a finding described as adnexed indicates proximity to or involvement of these structures, such as an adnexal mass. In ophthalmology, adnexal structures include the eyelids, lacrimal apparatus, and orbit contents, with adnexal disease or masses describing conditions around the eye. In dermatopathology, the term can indicate involvement of skin adnexa like hair follicles and sweat glands. In botany, adnexed is sometimes used to describe plant parts that are attached or nearly attached to a stem or receptacle at the base.

Etymology and usage notes: the word derives from Latin adnectere, meaning to join or connect, with the suffix -ed forming an English adjectival or past participle. Adnexed is less common than adnexal but conveys a similar sense of attachment or adjacency.

See also:

- adnexa

- adnexal

- adnexitis

- adnexal mass