Upper limb
Dorsal venous network of hand
Rete venosum dorsale manus et venae digitales dorsales
- Origin
- Prominent subcutaneous venous meshwork on the dorsum of the hand fed by dorsal digital veins
- Insertion
- Drains laterally into the cephalic vein and medially into the basilic vein
- Function
- Principal superficial venous drainage of the hand, facilitating unobstructed return during grasping
- Innervation
- Sympathetic vasomotor plexus
- Movement & chain
- Mobile within loose dorsal subcutaneous connective tissue; distends with dependency
- Palpation
- Prominently visible and readily palpable on the dorsal hand surface
- Clinical
- Superficial phlebitis, cannula extravasation, and easy bruising in geriatric fragile skin
- Segmental innervation
- Superficial hand venous network
- In clinical practice
- First-line anatomical site for peripheral IV catheter insertion in clinical and emergency care
- Region in the model
- Upper limb