Cephalic vein

Vena cephalica

CardiovascularBlood vesselsArmLeft and right

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What it is

A superficial vein that starts on the thumb side of the dorsal venous network of the hand, winds round to the front of the forearm, ascends lateral to biceps and runs in the deltopectoral groove before piercing the clavipectoral fascia to join the axillary vein.

Function

Drains superficial tissues of the lateral hand, forearm and arm.

Size

~3–5 mm diameter.

Clinical note

Easily visible at the wrist ("intern's vein") and used for cannulas; surgeons use it to insert pacemaker leads.