Axillary vein

A major blood vessel responsible for draining deoxygenated blood from the upper limb.

The axillary vein is formed from the convergence of the brachial veins and the basilic vein. It is a large, paired vessel that carries deoxygenated blood from the arm and transports it to the heart by merging with the subclavian vein. The axillary vein also accommodates various smaller veins that drain specific regions of the arm and shoulder.

Terminologia Anatomica

vena axillaris

System

Circulatory system

Function

The primary function of the axillary vein is to channel deoxygenated blood away from the upper limb and into the cardiovascular system. This process is crucial for maintaining the body's overall circulation and ensuring that oxygen-depleted blood reaches the heart efficiently. Acting as a major conduit in the venous return pathway, the axillary vein helps regulate blood volume and pressure, especially in response to the demands placed on the arms during physical activity. Furthermore, it plays a significant role in thermoregulation by helping to control the temperature of blood returning from the periphery, as it is closely associated with various muscles and tissues that generate heat during movement.

Location

The axillary vein is located in the axilla, commonly known as the armpit region. It begins at the lower margin of the teres major muscle, where it transitions from the basilic vein that drains the medial aspect of the arm. The vein runs upward alongside the axillary artery and passes through the axillary region towards the lateral border of the first rib, continuing as the subclavian vein. Its proximity to the brachial plexus and the axillary artery makes it a key vessel closely associated with other significant structures in the upper body.

Did You Know?

The axillary vein receives blood from multiple tributaries, including the thoracoacromial vein, subscapular vein, and lateral thoracic vein.
It can be a site for potential venous access in medical procedures, particularly for central venous catheter placements.
The axillary vein is clinically significant as thrombosis or obstruction can lead to conditions like superficial vein thrombosis or Paget-Schroetter syndrome.
The surrounding muscles, such as the pectoralis major, can affect the size and visibility of the axillary vein.
Variability in anatomical positioning, such as the presence of additional small venous structures, can occur among individuals, making its morphology unique.