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# Deep forearm veins

The deep forearm veins are paired radial and ulnar veins that travel with their arteries; they drain the deep forearm.

Official name: Radial and ulnar veins

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## What it is

Paired deep veins beside the radial and ulnar arteries.

## What it does

Drain the deep forearm.

## Key points

- Paired companion veins of the radial and ulnar arteries, with frequent cross-links
- Perforating veins join them to the superficial veins, especially at the elbow, where one connects with the [median cubital vein](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/median-cubital-vein/)

## Key facts

**Drains**
Deep palmar arches and the forearm muscles

**Into**
Brachial veins

## Relations

**Course**
From the deep palmar venous arch they follow the radial and ulnar arteries up the forearm, receive the interosseous veins and unite near the elbow into the [brachial veins](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/brachial-veins/)

**Superficial**
[Perforating veins](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/perforating-veins/) to the superficial network, chiefly at the elbow and the wrist

## How to find it

Not palpable. They run as thin paired veins on each side of the radial and ulnar arteries; at the wrist, ultrasound shows them flanking the artery, and in a [radial artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/radial-artery/) harvest they are lifted with it as one pedicle.

## On imaging

Ultrasound shows two small compressible veins flanking each forearm artery.

## Clinical notes

- In a radial forearm free flap, the companion veins or the [cephalic vein](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/cephalic-vein/) carry the flap's outflow
- During radial artery harvest for coronary bypass, its companion veins are taken with it or tied
- During radial arterial line placement, a needle that enters one of the companion veins returns dark blood that does not pulse

## Test yourself

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## What are the deep forearm veins?

Paired companion veins of the radial and ulnar arteries, with frequent cross-links; they unite near the elbow into the brachial veins.

## Where do perforating veins mainly join the deep forearm veins to the superficial veins?

At the elbow, where one connects with the median cubital vein, and at the wrist.

## Which veins can carry the outflow of a radial forearm free flap?

The companion veins of the radial artery (deep forearm veins) or the cephalic vein.

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

## Its names

**Official Latin (TA2)**
venae radiales TA2 4988

**Official Spanish (DeCS)**
Venas radiales y ulnares

**English (TA2)**
Radial and ulnar veins

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [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/radial-and-ulnar-veins/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/radial-and-ulnar-veins/