Median cubital vein

At a glance

English

Median cubital vein

Latin (TA2)

Vena mediana cubiti

System

Vein

Region

Upper limb

Side

Paired, left and right

About the median cubital vein

The median cubital vein, sometimes called the median basilic vein, lies in the cubital fossa just beneath the skin. It leaves the cephalic vein a little below the elbow and runs obliquely upwards and medially to join the basilic vein above the crease, so blood from the lateral side of the forearm can cross to the medial side.

On its way it rests on the bicipital aponeurosis, the fibrous sheet that spreads from the biceps tendon into the forearm fascia. The aponeurosis lies between the vein and the deeper structures of the fossa, the brachial artery and the median nerve, and gives some protection to them. A deep median vein usually connects it to the deep veins of the forearm, which helps keep it from moving.

The pattern varies widely. Often the cephalic and basilic veins and the median cubital vein together form an H or an N shape. In other people the median antebrachial vein divides into two branches, one to each of the main superficial veins, giving an M-shape. Occasionally there is no clear median cubital vein at all.

This is the vein most often chosen for taking blood and for placing an intravenous cannula. It is fairly wide, close to the surface and, because it is tethered at its deep connection, tends not to slide away from the needle. A tourniquet around the upper arm blocks venous outflow while arterial blood keeps arriving, so the vein fills and stands out. Care is needed to stay superficial and not pierce the aponeurosis, since the brachial artery and median nerve lie just deep to it.

Course and drainage

Begins at

Leaves the cephalic vein just below the elbow.

Drains into

Joins the basilic vein just above the elbow crease.

Drains

Carries blood from the cephalic to the basilic vein and drains the superficial tissues in front of the elbow.