Cephalic Vein

ANATOMY AIIMS, GROSS ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, NEUROANATOMY, MICROANATOMY, APPLIED/ CLINICAL ANATOMY The cephalic vein is a superficial vein that begins in the hand and forearm and passes through the upper arm to enter the shoulder region. It pierces the clavipectoral fascia and empties into the axillary vein, which is one of the major veins of the upper body. The cephalic vein is an important structure in the venous system of the upper limb, and is frequently used for intravenous access and other medical procedures.

The cephalic vein arises from the lateral side of the dorsal venous network of the hand and forearm, and passes through the deltopectoral triangle of the shoulder, which is bounded by the clavicle, the deltoid muscle, and the pectoralis major muscle. It then enters the axillary vein, which is formed by the confluence of the subclavian vein and the cephalic vein.

The cephalic vein receives tributaries from several veins in the upper limb, including the basilic vein, the median cubital vein, and the radial and ulnar veins. It also has several branches that supply blood to the skin and muscles of the upper limb.

The cephalic vein is frequently used for medical procedures such as intravenous therapy, blood draws, and central venous catheter placement. It is easily accessible and has a relatively large diameter, making it a preferred site for venous access. However, complications such as phlebitis, thrombosis, and infection can occur with its use, and care must be taken to minimize these risks.

The cephalic vein is a superficial vein that runs along the lateral aspect of the arm, pierces the clavipectoral fascia, and empties into the axillary vein. The cephalic vein receives blood from several tributaries along its course in the arm, which include:

Deltoid branch: A small branch that arises in the deltoid region of the shoulder and drains into the cephalic vein as it courses along the upper arm.

Pectoral branch: A small branch that arises in the pectoral region and drains into the cephalic vein as it passes through the deltopectoral triangle.

Acromial branch: A branch that arises from the acromial region of the shoulder and joins the cephalic vein in the deltopectoral triangle.

Clavicular branch: A branch that arises from the clavicular region and joins the cephalic vein as it courses along the clavicle.

Median cubital vein: A vein that crosses the cubital fossa, a shallow depression on the anterior aspect of the elbow. It connects the cephalic and basilic veins and is a common site for venipuncture.

The tributaries of the cephalic vein contribute to the venous drainage of the upper limb, and the vein itself is an important structure for medical procedures such as intravenous therapy and blood draws

According to the book "Clinical Anatomy by Regions" by Richard S. Snell, the cephalic vein may pass through the floor of the snuff box and can sometimes be seen in the roof of the snuff box. In some individuals, the cephalic vein can even cross the floor of the snuff box and emerge on the medial aspect of the wrist.

However, it is important to note that the cephalic vein is not always present in the snuff box, and its location can vary among individuals.

References-

Drake, R. L., Vogl, W., & Mitchell, A. W. M. (2015). Gray's anatomy for students. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Hollinshead, W. H. (1969). Anatomy for surgeons: The back and limbs. JB Lippincott Company.

Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically oriented anatomy. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.