The upper extremity, also known as the arm, contains a complex network of veins that play a crucial role in the circulatory system. These veins function to transport blood from the arms back to the heart and lungs to be oxygenated.
There are two main types of veins in the upper extremity: superficial veins and deep veins. Superficial veins are located close to the surface of the skin and can be easily seen and felt. These veins include the cephalic vein, which runs along the lateral aspect of the arm and wrist, and the basilic vein, which runs along the medial aspect of the arm.
Deep veins, on the other hand, are located deeper within the tissue and are not visible from the surface. The deep veins of the upper extremity include the axillary vein, which runs through the armpit and connects to the subclavian vein, and the brachial vein, which runs along the inside of the arm and connects to the axillary vein.
Both the superficial and deep veins of the upper extremity are important for maintaining proper blood flow and circulation. However, the deep veins are especially vital as they are responsible for carrying the majority of the blood from the upper extremity back to the heart.
The upper extremity veins also have a number of important functions beyond just transporting blood. They help to regulate blood pressure and can act as a reservoir for excess blood during times of stress or physical activity. In addition, the veins of the upper extremity are essential for the administration of intravenous fluids and medications.
Overall, the anatomy of the upper extremity veins is complex and plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the circulatory system. Proper care and attention to these veins is essential for maintaining good health and preventing problems such as vein damage or thrombosis.
Veins of the upper limb: Anatomy
D-dimer may be useful to rule out thrombosis, but the high false positive rate gives it a poor positive predictive value. Takeaway: Veins of the upper limb consist of arm veins, and forearms veins. The most prominent and anatomically consistent superficial veins are the cephalic analogous to the saphenous and basilic. The left internal jugular vein, which is usually smaller in caliber than the right internal jugular vein, crosses the common carotid artery before joining the left subclavian vein to form the left innominate vein, which then crosses the innominate artery to form, together with the right innominate vein, the superior vena cava. Continue from the axillary vein checking in transverse that the basilic and brachial veins of the upper arm are compressible. Exercising the limb and tapping vigorously over the vein can be helpful.
The Veins of the Upper Extremity and Thorax
Main deep veins of the upper limb include the superficial and deep venous palmar arches, the radial and ulnar veins, anterior and posterior interosseous veins, the brachial veins and the axillary vein. It is a superficial vein that is located anteriorly to the cubital fossa region. Basilic Vein The basilic vein originates from the dorsal venous network of the hand and ascends the medial aspect of the upper limb. Clinical anatomy of the veins of the upper limb The median cubital vein is the vein of choice for intravenous injections, for withdrawing blood from donors, and for The cephalic vein frequently communicates with the external jugular vein utilizing a small vein crossing in front of the clavicle. They are the radial and ulnar veins in the forearm, the brachial veins in the upper arm, the axillary vein, and finally the subclavian vein. This is usually for the purpose of providing intravenous therapy e. UE DVT has less associated morbidity than lower extremity DVT Table 2.
Venous Disease of the Upper Extremity
Kearon C, Akl EA, Comerota AJ, et al. The brachial veins vv. These continue proximally as superficial and deep palmar arches. Veins of the forearm Much like the veins of the hand, venous drainage of the forearm is achieved through a system of superficial and deep veins. Around the foramen magnum they form an intricate net-work which opens into the vertebral veins and is connected above with the occipital sinus, the basilar plexus, the condyloid emissary vein, and the rete canalis hypoglossi. The basilic vein is the typical location for insertion of PICC lines, thrombosis can be seen in up to 70-80% according to some studies, especially the longer the line is in place.
