Upper Limb - Superficial Veins

Upper Limb - Superficial Veins Veins Cephalic vein Begins as a radial continuation of the dorsal venous network, runs on the lateral side, and is often connected with the basilic vein by the median cubital vein in front of the elbow. Ascends along the lateral surface of the biceps, pierces the brachial fascia, and lies in the deltopectoral triangle with the deltoid branch of the thoracoacromial trunk. Pierces the costocoracoid membrane of the clavipectoral fascia and empties into the axillary vein. Basilic vein Arises from the dorsal venous arch of the hand and accompanies the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve on the posteromedial surface of the forearm and passes anterior to the medial epicondyle. Pierces the deep fascia of the arm and joins the two brachial veins , the venae comitantes of the brachial artery, to form the axillary vein at the lower border of the teres major muscle. Median cubital vein Connects the cephalic vein to the basilic vein over the cubital fossa. Lies superficial to the bicipital aponeurosis , and thus separates it from the brachial artery, which is vulnerable to being punctured during intravenous injections and blood transfusions. Median antebrachial vein Arises in the palmar venous network, ascends on the front of the forearm, and terminates in the median cubital or the basilic vein. Dorsal venous network Receives dorsal digital veins by means of dorsal metacarpal veins. Also receives palmar digital veins by means of intercapitular and palmar metacarpal veins and continues proximally as the cephalic vein (radial part) and as the basilic vein (ulnar part). ◄.....Go back to the Gross Anatomy homepage