Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) A Practice Exam

The adnexa refers to which components of the female reproductive system?

1. The urethra and vagina

2. The ovaries, ligaments, and Fallopian tubes

3. The cervix and uterus

4. The external genitalia

The correct answer is: The ovaries, ligaments, and Fallopian tubes

The adnexa specifically refer to the structures that are associated with an organ, particularly in the context of the female reproductive system. In this case, the adnexa of the uterus include the ovaries, ligaments (such as the round ligaments and broad ligaments), and the Fallopian tubes. These components are crucial for reproductive health, as they play integral roles in ovulation, fertilization, and support of the reproductive organs. Ovaries are essential for hormone production and egg maturation, while the Fallopian tubes serve as the pathway for the egg to travel from the ovaries to the uterus, where fertilization typically occurs. The ligaments provide structural support to these organs, maintaining their position within the pelvic cavity. Other options refer to different structures within the female reproductive system. The urethra and vagina, for example, are part of the urinary and reproductive tracts but are not classified as adnexa. The cervix and uterus are integral parts of the reproductive system, yet they are not considered adnexal structures. The external genitalia also do not fall under the definition of adnexa. Thus, the components identified in the correct answer represent the adnexa's specific association with the uterus and the functions tied to reproduction.