ArticlesAnatomyNeuroanatomyCranial nervesTrochlear nerve (cranial nerve IV)

ArticlesAnatomyNeuroanatomyCranial nervesTrochlear nerve (cranial nerve IV)

Trochlear nerve (cranial nerve IV)

Author: Christina Loukopoulou, MSc • Reviewer: Declan Tempany, BSc (Hons)
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 4 minutes

The trochlear nerve is the fourth paired cranial nerve (CN IV). Along with the oculomotor nerve (CN III) and the abducens nerve (CN VI), it is responsible for controlling movement of the eyeball. Interestingly, the trochlear nerve has the longest intracranial course despite being the smallest of all cranial nerves (by number of axons).

The tendon of the muscle supplied by the trochlear nerve (superior oblique muscle) passes through a cartilaginous pulley-like structure known as the trochlea (Latin: trochlea = pulley), which grants the nerve its name.

This article will delve deeper into the anatomy and function of the trochlear nerve, while reviewing the origin and course of the nerve, its field of innervation and clinical significance.

Key facts about the trochlear nerve
Type	General somatic efferent (GSE) / Motor nerve
Origin	Dorsal midbrain
Innervation	Superior oblique muscle

Contents

Origin and course
Innervation
Clinical relations
1. Diplopia
Sources

+ Show all

Origin and course

The trochlear nerve (CN IV) arises from the trochlear nucleus located within the periaqueductal gray substance of the midbrain and emerges on the dorsal midbrain caudal to the inferior colliculus. It then crosses the midline, before passing anteriorly around the contralateral side of the brainstem.

Once curved around the midbrain, the trochlear nerve pierces the dura mater at the inferior margin of the tentorium cerebelli to run anteriorly within the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus.

It then ultimately enters the orbit through the superior orbital fissure, external to the common tendinous ring.

Innervation

The trochlear nerve is a purely motor nerve, responsible for providing general somatic efferent (GSE)/motor innervation to just one muscle, the superior oblique muscle of the eye, on the contralateral side of its associated nucleus. This extraocular muscle attaches to the superolateral aspect of the eyeball, but before doing so, its tendon passes through a fibrocartilaginous pulley (the trochlea of superior oblique muscle) at the nasal part of the frontal bone (roof of orbit) and courses posterolaterally, deep to the superior rectus muscle.

Thus, contraction of the superior oblique initiates an inferolateral deviation of the pupil by abducting, depressing and internally rotating the eyeball.

Learning about the cranial nerves can seem daunting at first. Try out our cranial nerves quizzes and diagrams and soon you will see there's nothing to be afraid of!

Learn more about the trochlear nerve in the following study unit!

Clinical relations

Diplopia

All extraocular muscles of the eye work in a synergistic manner to move the eyeball. Therefore, patients rarely present with an isolated injury to the trochlear nerve. Diplopia (double vision) usually signifies trochlear nerve injury, particularly in downward or lateral gaze. This clinical presentation usually occurs due to the superior oblique muscle being hindered from assisting the inferior rectus muscle in depressing the eyeball, when the eye is in an abducted position.

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

Moore, K. L., Dalley. A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Crossman, A.R., Neary, D. (2014). Neuroanatomy: An Illustrated Colour Text (5th ed.). Manchester, MCR: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
Drake, R. L., Vogl, A.W., Mitchell, A.W.M. (2020). Gray’s Anatomy for Students (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.

Trochlear nerve (cranial nerve IV) : want to learn more about it?

Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.

What do you prefer to learn with?

Videos Quizzes Both

“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.” – Read more.

Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver

© Unless stated otherwise, all content, including illustrations are exclusive property of Kenhub GmbH, and are protected by German and international copyright laws. All rights reserved.

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!