Cephalic vein
Large blood vessel in the arm
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Anatomy
The cephalic vein is situated within the superficial fascia along the anterolateral surface of the biceps.
Origin
The cephalic vein forms at the roof of the anatomical snuffbox at the radial end of the dorsal venous network of hand.
Course and relations
From its origin, it ascends up the lateral aspect of the radius.
Near the shoulder, the cephalic vein passes between the deltoid and pectoralis major muscles (deltopectoral groove) through the clavipectoral triangle, where it empties into the axillary vein.
Anastomoses
It communicates with the basilic vein via the median cubital vein at the elbow.
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Clinical significance
The cephalic vein is often visible through the skin, and its location in the deltopectoral groove is fairly consistent, making this site a good candidate for venous access. Permanent pacemaker leads are often placed in the cephalic vein in the deltopectoral groove. The vein may be used for intravenous access, as large bore cannula may be easily placed. However, the cannulation of a vein as close to the radial nerve as the cephalic vein can sometimes lead to nerve damage.
History
Ordinarily the term cephalic refers to anatomy of the head, from the Greek term for the head, kephale. When the Persian Muslim physician Ibn Sīnā's Canon was translated into medieval Latin, the Arabic term al-kífal 'outer' was mistakenly translated as cephalic.