Upper limb
Cephalic vein
Vena cephalica
- Origin
- Arises from the radial aspect of the dorsal venous network of the hand
- Insertion
- Ascends the anterolateral forearm and arm, traverses the deltopectoral groove, and pierces the clavipectoral fascia to drain into the axillary vein
- Function
- Major superficial venous conduit draining the lateral hand, forearm, and shoulder
- Innervation
- Sympathetic perivascular nerves
- Movement & chain
- Located in the subcutaneous tissue; mobile over the investing deep fascia
- Palpation
- Easily visualized and palpable at the radial border of the wrist and along the deltopectoral groove
- Clinical
- Superficial thrombophlebitis following IV cannulation; preferred vein for radiocephalic (Brescia-Cimino) arteriovenous fistula creation
- Segmental innervation
- Superficial systemic venous drainage
- In clinical practice
- Prime site for peripheral intravenous catheter insertion, blood draws, and permanent vascular access for dialysis
- Region in the model
- Upper limb