Median antebrachial vein

At a glance

English

Median antebrachial vein

Latin (TA2)

Vena mediana antebrachii

System

Vein

Region

Upper limb

Side

Paired, left and right

About the median antebrachial vein

The median antebrachial vein, also called the median vein of the forearm, is a superficial vein lying in the subcutaneous tissue on the anterior surface of the forearm, between the cephalic vein laterally and the basilic vein medially. It is the main superficial channel for the palmar side of the hand and the front of the forearm.

It begins from the fine superficial venous plexus on the palm of the hand and the front of the wrist. From there it climbs the forearm, generally inclining towards the ulnar side, and picks up small veins from the overlying anterior forearm skin along the way.

Its ending is variable. Most often it opens into the basilic vein or into the median cubital vein near the elbow. In some people it splits below the elbow into two branches: a median cephalic vein that joins the cephalic vein and a median basilic vein that joins the basilic vein. The two branches then form an M-shaped pattern in front of the elbow, with the bicipital aponeurosis lying beneath the medial limb. The vein may be small, doubled or absent, which adds to the wide variety of superficial forearm vein patterns.

Like the other superficial forearm veins, it can be used for taking blood and for cannulas when better veins are unavailable. Close to the elbow the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm runs near it, and the brachial artery and median nerve lie deep to the bicipital aponeurosis, which is why needles at the front of the elbow are placed with care.

Course and drainage

Begins at

Begins in the superficial venous plexus of the palm and front of the wrist.

Drains into

Ends in the basilic or median cubital vein, or divides into branches joining both the basilic and cephalic veins below the elbow.

Drains

Drains the superficial tissues of the palm and of the anterior forearm.