Basilic vein
Vena basilica
The basilic vein is the superficial vein on the medial (little-finger) side of the upper limb. It pierces the deep fascia in the middle of the arm and joins the brachial veins to form the axillary vein.
Overview
The basilic vein begins on the medial side of the dorsal venous network of the hand. It runs up the medial (ulnar) side of the forearm and receives the median cubital vein just in front of the elbow. In the arm it runs along the medial side of biceps. About halfway up the arm it pierces the deep fascia. It then runs alongside the brachial artery and, at the inferior border of teres major, joins the brachial veins to form the axillary vein.
Function
- Drains the medial (ulnar) side of the hand, forearm and arm.
Clinical significance
PICC lines and fistulas
The basilic vein is large and runs a straight path into the deep veins. This makes it the preferred vein for peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC lines). It can also be moved into a superficial position and joined to an artery to make a dialysis fistula (brachiobasilic transposition).
Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Cardiovascular System sources. For education only; not medical advice.