Basilic vein
Vena basilica
CardiovascularBlood vesselsArmLeft and right
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- What it is
- A superficial vein arising from the little-finger side of the dorsal venous network of the hand; it ascends along the medial forearm, receives the median cubital vein in front of the elbow, pierces the deep fascia halfway up the arm and joins the brachial veins to form the axillary vein.
- Function
- Drains superficial tissues of the medial hand, forearm and arm.
- Size
- ~4–6 mm diameter.
- Clinical note
- Its large size and deep course make it a common choice for PICC lines and for dialysis fistulas.