Accessory cephalic vein

From Ganfyd

The accessory cephalic vein is a vein of the forearm. It is a tributary of the basilic vein.

Accessory cephalic vein
Veins of the cubital fossa showing a variant course of the accessory cephalic vein
System:	Venous system
Function:
Origin:	Dorsal venous network of the hand
Branches:	Oblique branch to basilic vein
Insertion:	Drains into the cephalic vein
Arterial supply:
Venous drainage:	Forearm
Lymphatic drainage:
Innervation:
Vertebral levels:
Search for Accessory cephalic vein in Gray's.

Course

The course of the vein is variable (see below). It usually arises from the medial side of the dorsal venous network of the hand. It runs lateral to the cephalic vein, along the lateral or posterolateral aspect of the forearm and elbow to join the cephalic vein below the elbow.

Origin

• Dorsal venous network of the hand (usual)

Tributaries

• Variable veins of the anterior and posterior forearm

Branches

• An oblique branch connects this vein to the basilic vein

Outflow

• Cephalic vein

Variations

• The course is highly variable
• May arise from a plexus on the distal posterior forearm
• May arise directly from the cephalic vein above the wrist
• Oblique branch may be absent or may directly connect the cephalic and basilic veins