Brachial vein

Brachial Vein

The brachial vein (shown in blue) is a deep vein of the upper limb.

The brachial vein is a major blood vessel located in the upper limb. It is a deep vein that runs along the medial side of the brachial artery.

Structure

The brachial vein begins at the cubital fossa at the level of the neck of the radius, where it is formed by the union of the venae comitantes of the radial artery and ulnar artery. It runs superiorly in the arm alongside the brachial artery.

Function

The brachial vein is responsible for draining blood from the radial and ulnar veins, and it helps return deoxygenated blood back to the heart. It terminates at the inferior border of the teres major muscle, where it merges with the basilic vein to form the axillary vein.

Clinical significance

Due to its location and size, the brachial vein is often used for intravenous therapy and for the insertion of peripheral venous catheters. It is also a common site for venipuncture in certain clinical situations.

See also

• Deep vein thrombosis
• Venous system
• Upper limb anatomy