Median cubital vein : superficial vein of upper limb

Median cubital vein : superficial vein of upper limb 

Median cubital vein

It is the communicating venous channel between cephalic and basilica veins which shunts blood from cephalic vein to the basilic vein

<script data-ad-client="ca-pub-3738618711723990" async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

Course

·         It begins from the cephalic vein 2.5 cm below the elbow bend runs obliquely upwards and medially to end in the basilica vein 2.5 cm above the bend of elbow

·         The important features of median cubital vein are as follows

·         It is separated from brachial artery by bicipital apneurosis

·         It communicates with the deep veins through a perforating vein which pierce the bicipital aponeurosis

·         It receives median vein of the forearm

·         It shunts blood from cephalic vein to basilic vein

Clinical anatomy

·         It is routinely used for giving intravenous injections and for withdrawing blood from donors

·         The median cubital vein is most preferred due to the following reasons

·         It is the most superficial vein of the body hence access is easy

·         It is well supported by the underlying bicipital aponeurosis

·         It is well anchored to the deep vein by a perforating vein hence it does not slip during procedure