Veins and lymphatics of the upper limb

What you will learn

• Distinguish the deep and superficial venous networks and their communications.
• Name the deep veins and trace the superficial veins from the hand to the arm.
• Recognize the classic arrangement and variations of the veins at the cubital fossa.
• Describe the superficial and deep lymphatic vessels and nodes.
• Trace lymphatic convergence to the axillary nodes and then the venous angles.

Course outline

1. Two return pathways, one destination

   Locate the venous and lymphatic networks before tracing their courses.

   7 min

2. The deep venous network

   Identify the paired deep venae comitantes and the axillary exception.

   9 min

3. From the hand to the superficial forearm veins

   Reconstruct the subcutaneous network from the fingers to the three main antebrachial pathways.

   15 min

4. Cubital confluences and veins of the arm

   Interpret the M-shaped venous pattern, its variations, and the terminations of the cephalic and basilic pathways.

   12 min

5. Lymphatic pathways and final venous return

   Classify vessels and nodes, then trace their axillary convergence to the venous angles.

   13 min