Median Cubital Vein

Written by Nicholas Fernandes

Last updated January 6, 2025 • 7 Revisions

The median cubital vein (antecubital vein) is a superficial vein of the antecubital fossa.

It connects the basilic and cephalic veins and contributes to the venous drainage of the upper limb.

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Course

The median cubital vein originates from the cephalic vein immediately distal to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow.

It travels obliquely, passing through the subcutaneous tissue of the antecubital fossa. It is separated from the underlying brachial artery and median nerve by the bicipital aponeurosis.

It terminates by emptying into the basilic vein on the medial aspect of the arm. During its course, it gives rise to the deep median vein – which anastomoses with the vena comitantes of the brachial artery (forming a connection between the superficial and deep venous systems).

Fig 1
The superficial veins of the upper limb.

 

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Drainage

The median cubital vein contributes to the venous drainage of the superficial structures of the upper limb.