The arm contains several veins responsible for returning blood to the heart; these include the radial, ulnar, brachial, axillary, and subclavian veins.
Veins of the Arm
The venous system of the arm can be broken down into the following key components, based on the reference provided:
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Radial Vein: This vein runs alongside the radial artery in the forearm. As venae comitantes, they travel in pairs.
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Ulnar Vein: Similar to the radial vein, the ulnar vein runs alongside the ulnar artery in the forearm as venae comitantes.
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Brachial Vein: In the cubital fossa (the bend of the elbow), the radial and ulnar veins merge to form the brachial vein.
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Axillary Vein: As the brachial vein reaches the axilla (armpit), it becomes the axillary vein.
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Subclavian Vein: The axillary vein drains into the subclavian vein.
| Vein | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Radial | Forearm | One of the pair of veins (venae comitantes) running alongside the radial artery. |
| Ulnar | Forearm | One of the pair of veins (venae comitantes) running alongside the ulnar artery. |
| Brachial | Upper arm (cubital fossa upward) | Formed by the merging of the radial and ulnar veins in the cubital fossa. |
| Axillary | Armpit (Axilla) | The continuation of the brachial vein, renamed once it passes into the armpit. |
| Subclavian | Upper chest | Receives blood from the axillary vein; it is a major vein of the upper chest area. |
