BASILIC VEIN [Key facts You Should Know About it]

After reading the name of the topic you got an idea of the article what it’s gonna be about. Yes, it’s about vein, basilic vein. Did you ever hear about the basilic vein?. For medical students, YES! They have heard due to their anatomy course. For the layman, they might be heard or might not. The layman should understand some basics about the basilic vein. In this article, we will give a chunk of information for you guys to understand better about the basilic vein. 

Let’s give a short glimpse at the venous system of the upper limb. So, the venous system of the upper limb clears out deoxygenated blood from the arm, forearm, and hand. It can be subdivided into the peripheral system and the deep system. Let’s move towards the basilic vein. 

What is a Basilic Vein?

The most main outermost veins of the upper limb are the cephalic and basilic veins. They are found within the hypodermic (subcutaneous) tissue of the upper limb. The upper limb is highly flexible and well developed. The accurate functioning of the upper limb is facilitated by vascular supply and venous drainage. The basilic vein begins from the dorsal venous network of the hand and ascends the medial phase of the upper limb. 

Basilic Vein VS Cephalic vein

The basilic vein begins from the dorsal venous network of the hand and ascends the medial phase of the upper limb and the cephalic vein also originates from the dorsal venous plexus of the hand. It ascends the anterolateral phase of the upper limb. The cephalic vein passing preliminary at the elbow. 

Anatomy of a Basilic Vein

Origin of a Basilic Vein:

The basilic vein originates from the ulnar side of the superficial venous network of the dorsum of the hand. 

Course:

The basilic vein ascends posteromedially in the forearm towards the anterior elbow section to move anterior to the medial epicondyle of the humerus from the ulnar aspect of the superficial venous network. 

It is smaller than the Cephalic vein and stops once it connects the brachial vein close to the elbow. It uninterrupted to rise anteromedially in the brachium until it sticks the brachial fascia at the basilic hiatus. The basilic vein then courses medially to the brachial artery until it connects with the brachial veins in the axilla to make the axillary vein. The axillary vein joins the cephalic vein.

Branches of a Basilic Vein:

Superficial veins of the upper limb are extremely mutable and hold various superficial branches which drain into them. Two such varying branches of the basilic vein include:

• The median cubital vein: is a very common site of venipuncture. The median cubital vein joins the basilic vein to the cephalic vein in the anterior point of the cubital fossa.
• Median antebrachial vein: The median antebrachial vein is a large superficial forearm vein that exudes the compositions of the anterior forearm, palmar surface of the hand, and antecubital region of the forearm. It ends in the basilic or median cubital veins.

Termination of The Basilic Vein:

It forms the axillary vein at the inferior border of the teres major muscle by combining the brachial veins. It terminates into a brachial vein. 

Drainage of The Basilic Vein:

The basilic vein drains into the brachial vein and then empties into the axillary vein once it goes through the inferior border of teres major. The axillary vein now meets the cephalic vein. The basilic vein drains the side of the superficial venous network of the hand and then it drains blood from the palm. 

Dissection of The Basilic Vein:

When the doctor dissects the superficial fascia he needs to be very careful and alert when giving the first incision by not damaging the vein. The veins have more thin walls than arteries so he needs to be well conscious while giving the incision. 

Conclusion

The most main outermost veins of the upper limb are the cephalic and basilic veins. They are found within the hypodermic (subcutaneous) tissue of the upper limb. The basilic vein begins from the dorsal venous network of the hand and ascends the medial phase of the upper limb. It originates from the dorsal venous network of the hand and drains into the brachial vein in the area of the hand and palm. Basilic veins have two branches; the median cubital vein and the median antebrachial vein. 

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