Veins of the Upper + Lower Limbs

Dorsal Venous Arch—Upper Limb

The superficial venous system of the upper limb begins in the hand; Drains into highly anastomosing veins in the hand and wrist (varies from person to person)

Superficial Veins of the Upper Limb

Most common venous pattern includes the lateral Cephalic Vein, the middle Antebrachial Vein, and the medial Basilic Vein

Medial Cubital Vein

In the antecubital fossa, the Medial Cubital Vein connects the cephalic and basilic veins and is a common site for drawing blood

Palmar Venous Arches

The deep venous system of the upper limb begins in the hand; Also drains into highly anastomosing veins in the hand and wrist (varies from person to person)

Radial and Ulnar Veins

Includes the Radial and Ulnar Veins in the wrist and forearm

Brachial and Axillary Veins

Merge around the antecubital fossa to form the Brachial Vein which unites with the basilic vein to form the axillary vein; The cephalic vein empties into the axillary vein in the proximal arm

Axillary Vein

Axillary vein becomes the subclavian vein deep to the clavicle

Dorsal Venous Arch—Lower Limb

The superficial venous system of the lower limb begins in the foot; Drains into anastomosing Great and Small Saphenous Veins in the ankle and leg

Great Saphenous Vein

Great saphenous vein, located in the superficial medial leg and thigh, empties into the Femoral Vein

Small Saphenous Vein

Small saphenous vein, which is slightly lateral to the great saphenous vein, empties into the Popliteal Vein in the popliteal fossa

Great Saphenous Vein and Varicose Veins

The great saphenous vein is a common location for varicose veins

Deep Veins of the Lower Limb

Deep veins of the foot drain into the Medial and Lateral Plantar Veins, which drain into the Anterior and Posterior Tibial Veins in the ankle and leg

Popliteal and Femoral Veins

These veins merge near the popliteal fossa and merge to form the popliteal vein, which becomes the femoral vein

External Iliac Vein

After the femoral vein passes deep to the inguinal ligament, it becomes the external iliac vein