Cardiovascular system · Upper limb
Back-of-hand veins !
The dorsal venous network is the web of veins visible on the back of the hand; it drains into the cephalic and basilic veins and is a common IV site.
Official name: Dorsal venous network of the hand
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What it is
The visible web of veins on the back of the hand.
What it does
Drains the hand into the cephalic and basilic veins; a common IV site.
Key facts
- Drains
- Dorsal digital and metacarpal veins
- Into
- Cephalic (lateral) and basilic (medial) veins
Relations
- Course
- Dorsal digital veins join into dorsal metacarpal veins, which form an arch-like network over the metacarpals
- Deep
- Extensor tendons and the dorsal hand fascia
- Superficial
- Thin, loose skin
How to find it
With the hand hanging down and the fist closed, or a tourniquet at the wrist, the veins stand out on the back of the hand.
On imaging
Usually visible through the skin, so imaging is seldom needed; ultrasound helps find a vein for cannulation when it is hidden by fat or swelling, and Doppler shows thrombosis after a cannula. When contrast or fluid leaks around a cannula on the back of the hand, the assessment is clinical; radiographs show only radiopaque contrast or gas in the soft tissues.
Clinical notes
- A common first site for IV cannulas; leaked infusions spread easily under the loose skin of the back of the hand
- Cannulas on the radial side near the snuffbox can irritate the superficial radial nerve
- Snuffbox arteriovenous fistula: the start of the cephalic vein, leaving the radial side of this network, is joined to the radial artery in the snuffbox as the most distal site for dialysis access
Anatomical variants
- The pattern differs greatly between people and between the two hands
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Why does hand swelling show first on the back of the hand?
Most of the palm's blood drains through to the dorsal venous network, under thin, loose skin.
Which veins arise from the radial and ulnar ends of the dorsal venous network of the hand?
The cephalic vein from the radial end, the basilic vein from the ulnar end.
Which nerve can be irritated by cannulas on the radial side of the back of the hand?
The superficial radial nerve, near the snuffbox.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- rete venosum dorsale manus TA2 4967
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Red venosa dorsal de la mano
- English (TA2)
- Dorsal venous network of the hand
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Veins.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
