Veins
A distinction is made between deep and superficial veins. Both vein systems have valves to allow blood to flow towards the heart and are connected to each other by connecting veins. The superficial venous network (Rete venosum dorsale manus) is located on the back of the hand.
From here, the blood is directed to the ulnar basilica and radial cephalic veins. The median cubital vein, which connects the cephalic and basiliac veins, is also located in the crook of the elbow. The deep veins are arranged in pairs and accompany the arteries of the same name.
The deep network of veins begins in the palm of the hand as Arcus palmaris profundus et superficialis. From there, the blood continues to flow via the radial and ulnar veins to the crook of the arm. Here it passes into the brachial vein, which then drains into the axillary vein.
Below the collarbone, the subclavian vein runs again, which then drains the blood through the brachiocephalic vein into the great superior vena cava at the heart.
- The superficial veins lie directly under the skin and are partially visible. They are often used for taking blood samples.
- The deep veins usually run together with the arteries and have the same name.
- The basilica vein begins on the ulnar side of the back of the hand and opens into the brachial vein in the area of the crook of the arm.
- The vena cephalica originates at the back of the thumb and then runs more radially over the forearm and upper arm and ends in the vena axillaris.
