Courses of Veins - Upper Extremity

Question 1

Cephalic Vein

Answer 1

Superficial Vein

Runs from the anatomic snuffbox (at the radial border of the hand) superiorly.

Runs on the lateral side of the arm.

Passes along the anterior elbow where it communicates with the basilic vein via the median cubital vein.

Enters the pectoral region through the deltopectoral groove, then enters the deltopectoral triangle.

Empties into the axillary vein.

Question 2

Basilic Vein

Answer 2

Superficial Vein

Originates from dorsal venous network in the dorsum of the hand.

Runs along the Medial side of the forearm and arm.

Communicates with the cephalic vein via the median cubital vein anteriorly in the elbow.

Starts to run deeper around the middle of the arm where it unites with the brachial veins to form the axillary vein.

Question 3

Ulnar Vein

Answer 3

Deep Vein

Accompanies Ulnar Artery

Merges with Radial Vein to for Brachial Veins

Question 4

Radial Vein

Answer 4

Deep Vein

Accompanies Radial Artery

Merges with Ulnar Vein to form Brachial Vein

Question 5

Median Cubital Vein

Answer 5

Superficial

Connection between Basilic Vein and Cephalic Vein in the cubital fossa.

This is where blood is most commonly drawn**

Question 6

Brachial Vein(s)

Answer 6

Deep Vein

There are at least 2 brachial veins.

Brachial Veins begin at the elbow.

Formed by the union of radial and ulnar veins.

Accompany the brachial artery in the arm and end by merging with the basilic vein to form the axillary vein.

Question 7

Axillary Vein

Answer 7

Deep Vein

Continuation of the brachial veins and basilic vein at the inferior border of teres major

Lies medial to the axillary artery

Ends at the first rib where it continues as the subclavian vein

Question 8

Superficial and Deep Palmar Veins

Answer 8

Accompany Superficial and Deep Palmar Arches

Question 9

Dorsal Venous Network

Answer 9

Veins of the dorsum of the hand - origin of chephalic and basilic veins; common site for IVs