Veins of the upper limb

Veins of the Upper Limb are a network of blood vessels that drain deoxygenated blood from the upper extremities and return it to the heart. They are part of the venous system, which works in conjunction with the arterial system to circulate blood throughout the body.

Anatomy

The veins of the upper limb can be divided into two systems: the superficial and the deep veins.

Superficial Veins

The superficial veins are located close to the surface of the skin. They include:

• Cephalic vein: This vein runs up the lateral side of the arm from the hand to the shoulder, where it empties into the axillary vein.
• Basilic vein: This vein runs up the medial side of the arm from the hand to the elbow, where it joins the brachial vein to form the axillary vein.
• Median cubital vein: This vein connects the cephalic and basilic veins at the elbow and is often used for venipuncture (blood draws).

Deep Veins

The deep veins are located beneath the muscles and accompany the arteries of the upper limb. They include:

• Radial veins and ulnar veins: These veins accompany the radial and ulnar arteries in the forearm.
• Brachial veins: These veins accompany the brachial artery in the upper arm.
• Axillary vein: This vein is formed by the union of the basilic and brachial veins and drains into the subclavian vein.

Clinical Significance

Understanding the anatomy of the veins of the upper limb is crucial in many medical procedures, including venipuncture, intravenous therapy, and the placement of cardiovascular catheters. Additionally, these veins can be affected by various medical conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins.

See Also

• Veins of the lower limb
• Venous system
• Circulatory system