trochlea

noun

troch·​lea ˈträ-klē-ə 

: an anatomical structure that is held to resemble a pulley

especially : the articular surface on the medial condyle of the humerus that articulates with the ulna

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, block of pulleys, from Greek trochileia, from trochilos sheave, from trochos wheel

First Known Use

circa 1693, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

trochlea

noun

troch·​lea ˈträk-lē-ə 

: an anatomical structure resembling a pulley: as

a

: the articular surface on the medial condyle of the humerus that articulates with the ulna

b

: the fibrous ring in the inner upper part of the orbit through which the tendon of the superior oblique muscle of the eye passes