Veins of the forearm: Anterior view (English)

The upper limb is drained by both deep and superficial venous systems. The main superficial veins include the cephalic and basilic veins which arise from the dorsal venous network. The cephalic vein communicates with the basilic vein via the median cubital vein and drains superficial regions of the hand, wrist and forearm. The median antebrachial vein drains the anterior forearm, usually emptying into the median cubital/basilic vein in the region of the cubital fossa. The deep venous system arises from the venous palmar arches and comprises the paired radial, ulnar and anterior interosseous veins which empty into the brachial veins of the arm. The deep veins of the forearm communicate with the superficial veins via perforating veins.