Brachial vein

A major blood vessel that drains deoxygenated blood from the upper limb and returns it to the heart.

The brachial vein is a significant conduit of venous blood in the arm, formed by the union of the radial and ulnar veins, which collect blood from the forearm. It runs alongside the brachial artery and is responsible for transporting deoxygenated blood back to the heart, usually through the axillary vein as it approaches the shoulder.

Terminologia Anatomica

vena-brachialis

System

Circulatory system

Function

The primary function of the brachial vein is to facilitate the efficient return of deoxygenated blood from the upper limbs to the heart, playing a vital role in maintaining proper circulation and ensuring that blood supply is regulated. As blood circulates through the body, oxygen is consumed by tissues, and carbon dioxide is produced as a waste product. The brachial vein collects that deoxygenated blood, which is rich in carbon dioxide and other metabolic waste, and directs it toward the heart for reoxygenation in the lungs. The robust structure of the brachial vein helps withstand the pressure changes during muscle contractions and relaxations in the arm, making it essential for daily activities that demand physiological adaptability.

Location

The brachial vein is located in the upper extremity, specifically in the arm. It emerges in the anterior compartment of the arm, running parallel to the brachial artery. Typically, it begins near the elbow at the junction where the radial and ulnar veins join below the bifurcation of the brachial artery. The vein ascends through the arm, traveling deep in the tissue, accompanied by the brachial artery until it reaches the axilla, where it gives way to the axillary vein. The proximity of the brachial vein to the brachial artery allows for the regulation of temperature and nutrient distribution through adjacent blood flow.

Did You Know?

The brachial vein's counterpart, the brachial artery, is responsible for delivering oxygenated blood to the upper limb.
This vein can be a site for cannulation during medical procedures, such as drawing blood or administering IV fluids.
Variations exist in the number of brachial veins; some individuals may have two or more, and this can be important for surgical procedures.