Venous System of the Upper Limb Flashcards
What does the venous system of the upper limb do?
Drains deoxygenated blood from the arm, forearm and hand
How can the venous system of the upper limb be anatomically divided?
Into superficial veins and deep veins
What are the major superficial veins of the upper limb?
Cephalic and basilic
Where are the superficial veins of the upper limb located?
Within the subcutaneous tissue of the upper limb
Where does the basilic vein originate from?
The dorsal venous network of the hand
Where does the basilic vein ascend?
The medial aspect of the upper limb
Where does the basilic vein move deep into the arm?
At the border of the teres major
What happens when the basilic vein moves deep into the arm?
It combines with the brachial veins to form the axillary vein
What does the cephalic vein arise from?
The dorsal venous network of the hand
Where does the cephalic vein ascent?
The antero-lateral aspect of the upper limb passing anteriorly to the elbow
What happens to the cephalic vein at the shoulder?
It travels between the deltoid and pectoralis major muscle, and enters the axilla region
What is the space between the deltoid and pectoralis major known as?
The deltopectoral groove
How does the cephalic vein enter the axilla?
Via the clavipectoral triangle
What happens to the cephalic vein in the axilla?
It terminates by joining the axillary vein
How are the cephalic and basilic vein connected?
At the elbow, by the median cubital vein
Where are the deep veins of the upper limb situated?
Underneath the deep fascia
What are the deep veins of the upper limb?
Paired veins that accompany and lie either side of an artery
Where are the largest deep veins of the upper limb?
Brachial veins
Where are the brachial veins situated?
On either side of the brachial artery
What is the advantage of the veins being on either side of an artery?
The pulsations of the brachial artery aids the venous return
What is it called when paired veins lie on either side of an artery?
Vena comitantes
Where do perforating veins run?
Between the deep and superficial veins of the upper limb
What is the purpose of the perforating veins?
They connect the deep and superficial systems
What is venipuncture?
The practice of obtaining intravenous access
Why might you need to gain intravenous access/
For IV therapy, or obtaining a blood sample
What is the main location for venipuncture?
The median cubital vein
What is the medial cubital vein?
A superficial vein that is situated anteriorly at the elbow
Why is the median cubital vein commonly used?
Due to its accessible and superficial position
