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== Trochlea ==

'''Trochlea''' (pronunciation: trok-lee-uh) is a term used in anatomy to describe a structure that resembles a pulley. The term is derived from the Greek word "trokhileia", which means pulley.

=== Etymology ===

The term "trochlea" is derived from the Greek word "trokhileia", which means pulley. It was first used in the anatomical context to describe structures that have a groove or furrow, similar to the groove in a pulley system where a rope or belt would run.

=== Anatomy ===

In human anatomy, the term "trochlea" is used to describe several different structures:

* The [[trochlea of humerus]] is a part of the upper arm bone (humerus) that interacts with the ulna in the forearm to form a hinge joint, allowing for flexion and extension of the arm.
* The [[trochlea of the talus]] is a part of the ankle joint, where it interacts with the tibia and fibula to allow for movement of the foot.
* The [[trochlea of the femur]] is a part of the knee joint, where it interacts with the patella (kneecap) to allow for movement of the leg.
* The [[trochlea of the superior oblique]] is a part of the eye, where it acts as a pulley for the superior oblique muscle, allowing for movement of the eye.

=== Related Terms ===

* [[Pulley]]: A simple machine that changes the direction of a force, often to lift a load. The trochlea in the human body functions similarly to a pulley in a machine.
* [[Humerus]]: The bone of the upper arm or forelimb, forming joints at the shoulder and the elbow.
* [[Talus]]: The large bone in the ankle that articulates with the tibia of the shin and the calcaneus of the heel.
* [[Femur]]: The bone of the thigh or upper hind limb, articulating at the hip and the knee.
* [[Superior oblique]]: A muscle in the orbit, or eye socket, which primarily rotates the eyeball.

[[Category:Medical Dictionary]]
[[Category:Anatomy]]
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