The main vein in the arm is the brachial vein.
Understanding the Brachial Vein
The brachial vein is a crucial part of the arm's venous system. It's formed by the joining of the radial and ulnar veins in the cubital fossa (the area at the front of the elbow). From there, it travels alongside the brachial artery, the main artery supplying blood to the upper arm, ascending towards the shoulder.
At the lower edge of the teres major muscle (a muscle in the upper arm), the brachial vein merges with the basilic vein to create the axillary vein. This continues the flow of deoxygenated blood back towards the heart.
Other Important Arm Veins
While the brachial vein is the primary deep vein, it's important to note other significant veins in the arm:
- Basilic Vein: A superficial vein that runs along the medial (inner) side of the arm. It connects with the brachial vein to form the axillary vein. It is often used for inserting a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line.
- Cephalic Vein: Another superficial vein located on the lateral (outer) side of the arm. While smaller than the basilic vein, it's also sometimes used for PICC line placement.
- Radial and Ulnar Veins: These veins are located in the forearm and merge to form the brachial vein. They are part of the deep venous system of the arm.
The Role of Veins in the Arm
The veins of the arm, including the brachial vein, are essential for returning deoxygenated blood from the arm to the heart. This blood then travels to the lungs to pick up oxygen before being circulated back to the rest of the body. The network of superficial and deep veins ensures efficient drainage of blood from the upper extremity.
