trochlea

n., pl., -le·ae (-lē-ē').
An anatomical structure that resembles a pulley, especially the part of the distal end of the humerus that articulates with the ulna.

[Latin, system of pulleys, from Greek trokhileia, akin to trekhein, to run.]

(trŏk'lē-ə)
n., pl. -le·ae (-lē-ē').

1. An anatomical structure that resembles a pulley, especially the part of the distal end of the humerus that articulates with the ulna.
2. A fibrous loop in the eye socket near the nasal process of the frontal bone, through which the tendon of the superior oblique muscle of the eye passes.

Pl. trochleae [L.] a pulley-shaped part or structure; various bony or fibrous structures through or over which tendons pass or with which other structures articulate, e.g. femoral, humeral, radial.

• femoral t. — the articular surface on the cranial aspect of the distal femur upon which the patella glides.
• humeral t. — grooved articular surface at the distal end of the humerus; articulates with the radius and ulna.