human anatomy The human body is the structure of a human being. It is composed of many different types of cells that together create tissues and subsequently organ systems. They ensure homeostasis and the viability of the human body. It comprises a head, ...

, the median cubital vein (or median basilic vein) is a

superficial vein Superficial veins are veins that are close to the surface of the body, as opposed to deep veins, which are far from the surface. Superficial veins are not paired with an artery, unlike the deep veins, which are typically associated with an arte ...

of the

upper limb The upper limbs or upper extremities are the forelimbs of an upright-postured tetrapod vertebrate, extending from the scapulae and clavicles down to and including the digits, including all the musculatures and ligaments involved with the shoul ...

. It lies in the

cubital fossa The cubital fossa, chelidon, or elbow pit, is the triangular area on the anterior side of the upper limb between the arm and forearm of a human or other hominid animals. It lies anteriorly to the elbow (Latin ) when in standard anatomical positi ...

superficial to the bicipital aponeurosis. It connects the

cephalic vein In human anatomy, the cephalic vein is a superficial vein in the arm. It originates from the radial end of the dorsal venous network of hand, and ascends along the radial (lateral) side of the arm before emptying into the axillary vein. At the e ...

and the

basilic vein The basilic vein is a large superficial vein of the upper limb that helps drain parts of the hand and forearm. It originates on the medial (ulnar) side of the dorsal venous network of the hand and travels up the base of the forearm, where its co ...

. It becomes prominent when pressure is applied. It is routinely used for

venipuncture In medicine, venipuncture or venepuncture is the process of obtaining intravenous access for the purpose of venous blood sampling (also called '' phlebotomy'') or intravenous therapy. In healthcare, this procedure is performed by medical labo ...

(taking blood) and as a site for an intravenous

cannula A cannula (; Latin meaning 'little reed'; plural or ) is a tube that can be inserted into the body, often for the delivery or removal of fluid or for the gathering of samples. In simple terms, a cannula can surround the inner or outer surfaces ...

. This is due to its particularly wide lumen, and its tendency to remain stationary upon needle insertion.

Structure

The median cubital vein is a

of the

. It lies in the

superficial to the bicipital aponeurosis. It connects the

and the

. It becomes prominent when pressure is applied to upstream veins, as venous blood builds up.

Variations

The median cubital vein shows a wide range of variations. More commonly, the vein forms an H-pattern with the cephalic and basilic veins making up the sides. Other forms include an M-pattern, where the vein branches to the cephalic and basilic veins.

Clinical significance

The median cubital vein is routinely used for

(taking blood) and as a site for an intravenous

. This is due to its particularly wide lumen, and its tendency to remain stationary upon needle insertion. It becomes prominent when pressure is applied upstream, which makes needle insertion easier. Such pressure is created using a

tourniquet A tourniquet is a device that is used to apply pressure to a limb or extremity in order to stop the flow of blood. It may be used in emergencies, in surgery, or in post-operative rehabilitation. A simple tourniquet can be made from a stick an ...

Additional images

File:Sobo 1909 597.png, alt=Three diagrams of the superficial veins of the arm, showing different arrangements of the median cubital vein, cephalic vein, and basilic vein., The most frequent variations of the veins of the forearm (schematic). File:Slide13WWW.JPG, alt=A dissection of the cubital fossa (inner elbow), labelling the median cubital vein., The median cubital vein, labelled as the median basilic vein. File:USMC-11162010-M-4178N-181.jpg, A vacutainer being used to draw blood from the median cubital vein for a

blood test A blood test is a laboratory analysis performed on a blood sample that is usually extracted from a vein in the arm using a hypodermic needle, or via fingerprick. Multiple tests for specific blood components, such as a glucose test or a cholest ...

References

External links