Topic Overview

Superficial Veins of Upper Limb

General Features

• Lie in superficial fascia.

• Originate from dorsal venous network of hand.

• Drain mainly into axillary vein.

• Widely used for venipuncture, IV access, and cannulation.

Individual Veins

1. Cephalic Vein

• Origin → lateral end of dorsal venous arch.

• Course → runs along lateral forearm & arm, ascends in deltopectoral groove.

• Termination → pierces clavipectoral fascia to drain into axillary vein.

• Clinical importance → often used for cardiac catheterization (into right atrium).

2. Basilic Vein

• Origin → medial end of dorsal venous arch.

• Course → ascends along medial forearm & arm, pierces brachial fascia at middle arm.

• Termination → joins brachial veins to form axillary vein.

• Clinical importance → preferred site for long-term IV cannulation.

3. Median Cubital Vein

• Origin → connection between cephalic and basilic veins in cubital fossa.

• Course → runs obliquely across cubital fossa.

• Termination → drains into basilic vein.

• Clinical importance → most common site for venipuncture, IV injections, blood donation.

4. Other Superficial Veins

• Median antebrachial vein → runs along front of forearm, drains into basilic/median cubital vein.

• Dorsal venous arch → gives rise to cephalic (lateral) and basilic (medial) veins.

Clinical Anatomy

• Venipuncture → median cubital vein is preferred (large, fixed by perforators, superficial).

• IV injections → basilic and cephalic veins also used.

• Phlebitis → inflammation of superficial veins, often due to infection/IV drug use.

• Thrombophlebitis → clot formation within inflamed vein → causes painful cord-like swelling.

• Cut-down procedures → cephalic or basilic veins exposed surgically for emergency IV access.

• Arteriovenous fistula → created surgically (usually using cephalic vein) for dialysis access.

• Varicosities → uncommon in upper limb compared to lower limb due to efficient venous retur