Veins of the Upper Extremity
There are two groups of veins in the upper limb, the superficial and deep venous systems, with free anastomoses between them. The superficial veins are in the superficial fascia, immediately under the skin. The deep veins accompany the arteries, usually in duplication.
Superficial Veins of the Upper Extremity
The superficial veins of the upper extremity are the cephalic, basilic, and median antebrachial veins, and their tributaries (Fig. 16.1).
Dorsal digital veins
Three dorsal metacarpal veins
Dorsal venous network
Laterally the dorsal venous network is joined by the dorsal digital vein from the radial side of the index finger and both dorsal digital veins of the thumb, prolonged proximally as the cephalic vein.
Medially the network receives the dorsal digital vein of the ulnar side of the fifth finger and is continued upward as the basilic vein.
Palmar digital veins
Connected to the dorsal system by intercapitular veins
Palmar venous plexus
Drain into the median vein of the forearm
Median vein of the forearm
Connected to the basilic vein
At the Forearm (Fig. 16.1)
This vein originates from the dorsal venous network and follows the radial border of the forearm. The median cubital vein is given in front of the elbow, which receives a communicating branch from the deep veins of the forearm, passing medially to communicate with the basilic vein. The cephalic vein ascends subcutaneously lateral to the biceps. The infraclavicular fossa ends in the axillary vein just below the level of the clavicle. An accessory cephalic vein may be present.
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