trochlear nerve

noun

: either of the fourth pair of cranial nerves that supply some of the eye muscles with motor fibers

called also trochlear

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1858, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

trochlear nerve

noun

: either of the fourth pair of cranial nerves that arise from the dorsal aspect of the brain stem just below the inferior colliculus and supply the superior oblique muscle of the eye with motor fibers