Radial vein

Radial Vein

The radial vein is one of the major veins in the human forearm.

The Radial Vein is a blood vessel that carries deoxygenated blood from the lateral side of the forearm to the brachial vein. It is one of the major veins in the human forearm and is paired with the radial artery.

Structure

The radial vein begins at the hand, where it is formed by the union of the venae comitantes of the radial artery. It runs up the forearm, lying parallel to the radial artery. It then joins with the ulnar vein to form the brachial vein.

Function

The radial vein, like other veins, carries deoxygenated blood back towards the heart. It plays a crucial role in the venous return system of the forearm.

Clinical significance

The radial vein is often used for venipuncture (the process of obtaining intravenous access for the purpose of intravenous therapy or for blood sampling of venous blood). It is also a common site for the insertion of a peripheral venous catheter.

See also

• Vein
• Radial artery
• Brachial vein
• Venipuncture

External links

• Radial vein at AnatomyExpert.com