Cephalic vein

In human anatomy, the cephalic vein is a superficial vein in the arm. It originates from the radial end of the dorsal venous network of hand, and ascends along the radial (lateral) side of the arm before emptying into the axillary vein. At the elbow, it communicates with the basilic vein via the median cubital vein.

Cephalic vein
Superficial veins of the upper limb
The most frequent variations of the veins of the forearm.
Details
Drains fromDorsal venous network of hand
Drains toAxillary vein and median cubital vein
ArteryDeltoid branch of thoracoacromial artery
Identifiers
LatinVena cephalica
TA98A12.3.08.015
TA24964
FMA13324
Anatomical terminology

Anatomy

The cephalic vein is situated within the superficial fascia along the anterolateral surface of the biceps.

Origin

The cephalic vein forms over the anatomical snuffbox at the radial end of the dorsal venous network of hand.[1]: 983 

Course and relations

From its origin, it ascends up the lateral aspect of the radius.[2]

Near the shoulder, the cephalic vein passes between the deltoid and pectoralis major muscles (deltopectoral groove) through the clavipectoral triangle, where it empties into the axillary vein.

Anastomoses

It communicates with the basilic vein via the median cubital vein at the elbow.

Clinical significance

The cephalic vein is often visible through the skin, and its location in the deltopectoral groove is fairly consistent, making this site a good candidate for venous access. Permanent pacemaker leads are often placed in the cephalic vein in the deltopectoral groove. The vein may be used for intravenous access, as large bore cannula may be easily placed. However, the cannulation of a vein as close to the radial nerve as the cephalic vein can sometimes lead to nerve damage.

History

Ordinarily the term cephalic refers to anatomy of the head. When the Persian Muslim physician Ibn Sīnā's Canon was translated into medieval Latin, cephalic was mistakenly chosen to render the Arabic term al-kífal, meaning "outer".[3][4]

Additional images
  • Cross-section through the middle of the forearm.
    Cross-section through the middle of the forearm.
  • The deep veins of the upper extremity.
    The deep veins of the upper extremity.
  • Cross-section through the middle of upper arm (cephalic vein labeled at upper left)
    Cross-section through the middle of upper arm
    (cephalic vein labeled at upper left)
  • Cephalic vein
    Cephalic vein
  • Cephalic vein
    Cephalic vein

See also

References
  1. Gray's anatomy : the anatomical basis of clinical practice. Susan Standring (Forty-second ed.). [New York]. 2021. ISBN 978-0-7020-7707-4. OCLC 1201341621.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: others (link)
  2. Gray's anatomy : the anatomical basis of clinical practice. Susan Standring (Forty-second ed.). [New York]. 2021. ISBN 978-0-7020-7707-4. OCLC 1201341621.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: others (link)
  3. Diab, Mohammad (1999). Lexicon of orthopaedic etymology. Taylor & Francis. p. 54. ISBN 978-90-5702-597-6.
  4. Swenson, Rand. "Etymology of shoulder and arm terms". Dartmouth Medical School: © O'Rahilly 2008. Archived from the original on October 3, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2011.
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