Median cubital vein

Median cubital vein
Superficial veins of the arm. The median cubital vein is labelled (in Latin) - Vena mediana cubiti.
Details
SourceCephalic vein
Drains toBasilic vein
Identifiers
Latinv. mediana cubiti,
v. intermedia cubiti
TA98A12.3.08.019
TA24980
FMA22963
Anatomical terminology

In human anatomy, the median cubital vein (or median basilic vein) is a superficial vein of the arm on the anterior aspect of the elbow. It classically shunts blood from the cephalic to the basilic vein at the roof of the cubital fossa. It is typically the most prominent superficial vein in the human body, and is visible when all other veins are hidden by fat or collapsed during a shock.

It arises from the cephalic vein 2.5 cm (one inch) below the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, runs obliquely upward and medially, and empties into the basilic vein 2.5 cm (one inch) above the medial epicondyle.

It is routinely used for venipuncture (taking blood) and as a site for an intravenous cannula. This is due to its particularly wide lumen, and its tendency to remain stationary upon needle insertion.


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