SUPERFICIAL VEINS AND NERVES OF THE UPPER LIMB

In preparation for a deeper examination of the upper limb, we will take a look at the superficial veins and nerves of the upper limb. These structures will be lost as we continue to go deeper into the upper limb.

Superficial veins form many interconnections and can be removed without worrying about loss of blood blow back to the heart. The superficial veins are also used for intravenous injections in clinical settings. They are also abused by drug users. After many injections, the venous walls collapse and become fibrosed and unusable. These fibrotic vessels can be easily spotted.

Now let's take a look at these superficial structures. The veins start on the back of the hand in a dorsal plexus and become two major veins. The cephalic vein empties into the last part of the axillary vein in the pectoral region and the basilic vein joins the brachial vein to become the axillary vein in the mid-arm region.
veins of dorsal hand
  1. cephalic v.
  2. basilic v.
  3. median cubital v.
  4. medial cutaneous nerve of forearm
    medial antebrachial cutaneous n.
  5. lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm
    lateral antebrachial cutaneous n.
superficial veins and nerves


Table of Pectoral Muscles   Axilla


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Table of Contents for Upper Limb & Back

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