Main veins of the upper limb – Anatomy Atlas

Table of Contents

Overview

Veins of the upper limb The veins of the upper limb form two interconnected venous networks: superficial and deep. The superficial veins are the dorsal venous network of the hand, the cephalic, basilic and median cubital veins. The deep veins are the palmar arches, radial, ulnar, brachial, axillary and subclavian veins. All upper limbs veins eventually drain into the brachiocephalic vein and subsequently the superior vena cava, to then empty into the right atrium of the heart. Large superficial veins of the upper limb are often used for venipuncture as they are easily accessible.

Keypoints

Key points about the main veins of the upper limb
Major veins of the upper limb	Subclavian vein, axillary vein, brachial veins, median cubital vein, basilic vein, cephalic vein, ulnar veins, radial veins, palmar arches and dorsal venous network
Superficial and deep venous systems	Superficial: median cubital vein, basilic vein, cephalic vein and dorsal venous network Deep: subclavian vein, axillary vein, brachial vein, ulnar vein, radial vein and palmar arches
Region drained by each vein	Hand: dorsal venous network, superficial and deep palmar arches, metacarpal veins and digital veins Forearm: basilic vein, cephalic vein, radial veins and ulnar veins Arm: brachial vein, basilic vein and cephalic vein Shoulder: subclavian vein and axillary vein