Basilic vein

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Anatomy > Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body > Cardiovascular system > Veins > Veins of the upper limb > Basilic vein

Henry Gray (1821–1865). Anatomy of the Human Body. 1918.

Basilic vein

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Basilic vein (from Gray's Anatomy)

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Common variations of the superficial veins of the forearm (schematic)

The basilic vein is a prominent superficial vein of the upper limb that drains blood from the medial side of the hand, forearm, and arm. It is one of the major superficial veins of the limb, alongside the cephalic vein.

Anatomical Course

Origin

The basilic vein arises from the dorsal venous network of the hand, specifically on the ulnar (medial) side. It begins as a continuation of the dorsal venous arch and ascends on the medial aspect of the forearm.

Forearm

As it ascends the forearm, the basilic vein runs in the subcutaneous tissue overlying the flexor muscles, often visible through the skin. It communicates with the cephalic vein via the median cubital vein, a frequent site for venipuncture. The superficial venous pattern in the forearm is highly variable, and the basilic vein forms multiple connections with unnamed tributary veins.

Arm

In the arm, the basilic vein ascends along the medial border of the biceps brachii muscle. It pierces the brachial fascia near or above the medial epicondyle of the humerus, often in the middle of the arm. Once deep, it travels alongside the brachial artery and median nerve.

At the lower border of the teres major muscle, the basilic vein unites with the brachial veins to form the axillary vein, which continues proximally to become the subclavian vein.

Clinical Significance

Venipuncture

The basilic vein, while an acceptable site for intravenous access, is less commonly used for phlebotomy due to its awkward position when the forearm is supinated. IV nurses often refer to it as the "virgin vein" because it is typically spared in routine blood draws.

Dialysis Access

In vascular surgery, the basilic vein is often utilized in the creation of an arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous graft for patients undergoing hemodialysis. The vein's size and accessibility make it suitable for this purpose, especially when superficial veins like the cephalic vein are inadequate.

Relations

• Lies medial to the biceps brachii.
• Travels superficially before piercing the deep fascia.
• Runs with the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm.
• Terminates by merging with deep veins to form the axillary vein.

Additional Images

• The veins of the right axilla, anterior view.
  The veins of the right axilla, anterior view.
• Cross-section through the middle of the upper arm.
  Cross-section through the middle of the upper arm.
• Cross-section through the middle of the forearm.
  Cross-section through the middle of the forearm.
• The brachial artery and its veins.
  The brachial artery and its veins.
• Superficial veins on the dorsum of the hand.
  Superficial veins on the dorsum of the hand.
• Basilic vein on the forearm of a muscular adult male.
  Basilic vein on the forearm of a muscular adult male.

Dissection Images

Dissection gallery

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See Also

• Cephalic vein
• Median cubital vein
• Axillary vein
• Venipuncture
• Hemodialysis
• Superficial veins of upper limb

External Links

• Anatomy photo:07:st-0701 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center
• Radiology image: UpperLimb:18VenoFo from Radiology Atlas at SUNY Downstate Medical Center (need to enable Java)
• Cannulation Illustration

Gray's Anatomy

• Gray's Anatomy Contents
• Gray's Anatomy Subject Index
• About Classic Gray's Anatomy
• Glossary of anatomy terms

Anatomy atlases (external)

[1] - Anatomy Atlases

Adapted from the Classic Grays Anatomy of the Human Body 1918 edition (public domain)