What term refers to the protective structures surrounding the eyeball?

The term "adnexa" refers to the structures that are associated with the eye but are not part of the eyeball itself. These include the eyelids, conjunctiva, and the lacrimal glands, all of which serve to protect the eyeball and keep it moist. The adnexa provide crucial functions such as shielding the eye from debris and injury, aiding in tear production and drainage, and helping to maintain the overall health of the ocular surface.

In contrast, the other terms listed refer to different aspects of the eye's anatomy. The "globe" specifically refers to the eyeball itself, encompassing the inner components like the lens and retina, rather than the protective structures. The "ciliary body" is part of the internal structure of the eye that focuses light and produces aqueous humor, while a "cataract" is a condition that clouds the lens of the eye, affecting vision. none of these options denotes the protective structures surrounding the eyeball.