Trochlear

Trochlear refers to several structures in the human body, all of which are named for their resemblance to a pulley (from Latin: trochlea, pulley). The term may refer to:

• Trochlear nerve, the fourth cranial nerve which innervates the superior oblique muscle of the eye, allowing the eye to look downwards and towards the nose.
• Trochlear notch, a large depression in the ulna bone of the forearm that forms part of the elbow joint.
• Trochlear process, a bony prominence on the foot of some animals.
• Trochlear surface, a smooth, grooved area on the underside of the femur bone in the thigh, which forms part of the knee joint.

Trochlear Nerve

The trochlear nerve is the fourth cranial nerve (CN IV) of twelve paired cranial nerves. It is the smallest nerve in terms of the number of axons it contains. It has the greatest intracranial length. It is the only cranial nerve that emerges dorsally from the brain (near the back), giving it the longest intracranial course. The trochlear nerve controls the superior oblique muscle of the eye, which functions to allow the eye to look down and towards the nose.

Trochlear Notch

The trochlear notch is a large depression in the ulna bone of the forearm that forms part of the elbow joint. It articulates with the trochlea of the humerus to form a hinge joint, allowing for flexion and extension of the forearm.

Trochlear Process

The trochlear process is a bony prominence on the foot of some animals. It is not present in humans.

Trochlear Surface

The trochlear surface is a smooth, grooved area on the underside of the femur bone in the thigh, which forms part of the knee joint. It articulates with the patella (kneecap) to allow for flexion and extension of the knee.

See Also

• Cranial nerves
• Elbow joint
• Knee joint

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