Trochlea: meaning, definitions and examples

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trochlea

 

[ ˈtrɒk.li.ə ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

anatomy

A trochlea is a spool-shaped structure in anatomy that acts like a pully on which a tendon can glide. It typically refers to a specific groove or structure in bones that allows for the smooth movement of bones across one another at joints. Most commonly, the term is used in relation to the humerus and femur where it contributes to joint function.

Synonyms

groove, pulley, sheave

Examples of usage

  • The trochlea of the humerus allows the elbow joint to function smoothly.
  • In the knee joint, the trochlea of the femur guides the motion of the patella.
  • An injury to the trochlea can severely impact joint mobility.
  • The trochlea serves as a crucial point of articulation in various limb joints.

Word origin

The word 'trochlea' originates from the Ancient Greek word 'τροχλῖᾰ' (trochlia), meaning 'pulley' or 'wheel'. It entered the Latin language as 'trochlea', which retained its anatomical significance in terms of describing structures that facilitate the movement of tendons and muscles. The use of 'trochlea' in a medical or anatomical context began to solidify during the Renaissance when medical scholars sought to create a more precise vocabulary for the study of the human body. By the late 18th century, as anatomy became more standardized and the study of human movement was formalized, the term 'trochlea' was widely adopted in anatomical literature and textbooks, emphasizing its role in joint mechanics.