Post axial basilic vein o: the superficial vein of superior extremity

Basilic vein

It is begins as the continuation of the medial end of the dorsal venous arch of the hand

Course :

·         It runs upwards along the back of the medial border of the forearm winds round this border near the elbow to reach the anterior aspect of the forearm

·         Then it continues upwards in front of the elbow along the medial side of the biceps brachii up to middle of the arm

·         At the middle of the arm it pierces deep fascia unites with the brachial veins and runs along the medial side of the brachial artery

·         Then it continued with axillary vein at the lower border of the teres major

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Clinical anatomy

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

·         The basilic vein is preferred for cardiac catheterization for the following reason

·         The diameter of basilic vein increases as it ascends from cubital fossa to the axillary vein

·         It is in direct line with the axillary vein . to enter the right atrium the catheter passes in succession as follows

·         Basilic vein > axillary vein > subclavian vein > brachiocephalic vein > superior vena cava > right atrium of heart