Overview
The venous system of the upper limb drains deoxygenated blood from the arm, forearm and hand. It can be subdivided into the superficial system and the deep system.
Superficial Veins
The superficial veins of the upper limb are located within the subcutaneous tissue of the upper limb.
Dorsal venous network of the hand
- Formed by the dorsal metacarpal veins
Superficial venous network of the hand
- The superficial palmar arch is accompanied by a pair of venae comitantes which constitute the superficial palmar venous arch. It receives the veins corresponding to the branches of the superficial arterial arch: the common palmar digital veins.
Basilic Vein
- Origin: Dorsal venous network of the hand
- Course:
- Ascends the medial aspect of the upper limb.
- At the border of the teres major, the vein moves deep into the arm.
- Termination: Here, it combines with the brachial veins from the deep venous system to form the axillary vein.
Cephalic Vein
- Origin: Dorsal venous network of the hand
- Course:
- Ascends the antero-lateral aspect of the upper limb, passing anteriorly at the elbow.
- At the shoulder, the cephalic vein travels within the deltopectoral groove (between the deltoid laterally and pectoralis major muscles medially)
- It enters the axilla region via the clavipectoral triangle.
- Terminates: Within the axilla, the cephalic vein empties into axillary vein.
The cephalic and basilic veins are connected at the elbow by the median cubital vein.
Deep Veins
The deep venous system of the upper limb is situated underneath the deep fascia. It is formed by paired veins, which accompany and lie either side of an artery. In the upper extremity, the deep veins share the name of the artery they accompany.
The brachial veins are the largest in size, and are situated either side of the brachial artery. The pulsations of the brachial artery assist the venous return. Veins that are structured in this way are known as vena comitantes.
Perforating veins run between the deep and superficial veins of the upper limb, connecting the two systems.