Upper Extremity Veins

Deep Veins

Radial and Ulnar Veins

Venae comitantes of the radial artery and ulnar artery respectively. They join together to form the brachial vein.

Brachial Veins

Venae comitantes of the brachial artery.

Axillary Vein

A continuation of the brachial vein.

Subclavian Vein

Is the continuation of the axillary vein.

Innominate Vein

Formed by the confluence of the subclavian and jugular veins.

*The right and left innominate veins join to form the superior vena cava.

Superficial Veins

Basilic Vein

Courses along the medial aspect (ulnar side) of the forearm and communicates with the cephalic veins via the medial cubital vein. It continues up the medial aspect of the upper arm to join the brachial vein to become the axillary vein.

Cephalic Vein

Courses along the lateral aspect (radial side) of the forearm and communicates with the basilic vein via the medial cubital vein. It continues up the anterolateral aspect of the upper arm where it empties into the axillary vein.

Last Modified: 10/13/2010
Created: 08/21/2010