Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Cephalic vein
Introduction
Overview
Overview
In human anatomy, the cephalic vein is a superficial vein of the upper limb.
It communicates with the basilic vein via the median cubital vein at the elbow and is located in the superficial fascia along the anterolateral surface of the biceps brachii muscle.
Superiorly the cephalic vein passes between the deltoid and pectoralis major muscles (deltopectoral groove) and through the deltopectoral triangle, where it empties into the axillary vein.
It is often visible through the skin, and its location in the deltopectoral groove is fairly consistent, making this site a good candidate for cannulation.
Additional images
Additional images
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Cross-section through the middle of the forearm. -
The veins on the dorsum of the hand. -
The deep veins of the upper extremity.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]