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# Median forearm vein

The median antebrachial vein runs up the middle of the front of the forearm under the [skin](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/skin/); it drains the forearm skin.

Official name: Median antebrachial vein

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## What it is

A surface vein up the middle of the front of the forearm.

## What it does

Drains the skin of the front of the forearm.

## Key points

- Runs up the middle of the front of the forearm, between the cephalic and basilic veins
- At the elbow it may end in the basilic or [median cubital vein](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/median-cubital-vein/), or split into median cephalic and median basilic veins (the M pattern)

## Key facts

**Drains**
Palmar venous plexus

**Into**
Basilic or median cubital vein

## Relations

**Course**
From the palmar venous plexus at the wrist straight up the front of the forearm to the elbow

**Deep**
The [antebrachial fascia](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/antebrachial-fascia/) over the superficial forearm flexors

## How to find it

With a tourniquet it is seen in the midline of the front of the forearm, although it is often small or not visible.

## On imaging

Small and variable. Ultrasound shows it in the subcutaneous fat of the front of the forearm, running up from the palm toward the median cubital, basilic or [cephalic vein](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/cephalic-vein/), and shows which of the elbow patterns is present. It is sought for cannulation when other veins fail; full collapse under the probe and Doppler flow confirm it is open.

## Clinical notes

- Venipuncture on the front of the forearm is close to branches of the medial and lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerves
- Cannulas at the front of the wrist are generally avoided because of the [median nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/median-nerve/) 's palmar branch and nearby tendons
- Leakage of an infusion from a forearm cannula (extravasation) swells the front of the forearm; irritant drugs can injure the skin, so the site is checked often

## Anatomical variants

- It can be absent, doubled or replaced by several small veins

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Where does the median forearm vein run?

Up the middle of the front of the forearm, from the palmar venous plexus at the wrist, between the cephalic and basilic veins.

## What is the «M» pattern of the median forearm vein at the elbow?

It splits into median cephalic and median basilic veins.

## Why are cannulas at the front of the wrist generally avoided?

Because of the median nerve's palmar branch and the nearby tendons.

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Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

## Its names

**Official Latin (TA2)**
vena mediana antebrachii TA2 4981

**Official Spanish (DeCS)**
Vena mediana del antebrazo

**English (TA2)**
Median antebrachial vein

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Elbow Cubital Fossa](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459250/); [Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Veins](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546676/).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/median-antebrachial-vein/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/median-antebrachial-vein/