trochlea

trochlea

 [trok´le-ah] (L.)

a pulley-shaped part or structure; used in anatomic nomenclature to designate a bony or fibrous structure through which a tendon passes or with which other structures articulate.

troch·le·a

, pl.

troch·le·ae

(trok'lē-ă, -lē-ē), [TA]

1. A structure serving as a pulley.

2. A smooth articular surface of bone upon which another glides.

[L. pulley, fr. G. trochileia, a pulley, fr. trechō, to run]

trochlea

(trŏk′lē-ə)

n. pl. troch·leae (-lē-ē′)

An anatomical structure that resembles a pulley, especially the part of the distal end of the humerus that articulates with the ulna.

troch·le·a

, pl. trochleae (trok'lē-ă, -ē) [TA]

1. A structure serving as a pulley.

2. A smooth articular surface of bone on which another glides.

3. A fibrous loop in the orbit, near the nasal process of the frontal bone, through which passes the tendon of the superior oblique muscle of the eye.

[L. pulley, fr. G. trochileia, a pulley, fr. trechō, to run]

trochlea

A body structure that resembles a pulley, especially that for the tendon of the superior oblique eye muscle.

troch·le·a

, pl. trochleae (trok'lē-ă, -ē) [TA]

1. Structure serving as a pulley.

2. Smooth articular surface of bone on which another glides.

[L. pulley, fr. G. trochileia, a pulley, fr. trechō, to run]