Deep vein

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Deep vein
The veins of the right axilla, viewed from in front.
Latin vena profunda
Gray's p.641
TA A12.0.00.035
FMA FMA:76718
Anatomical terminology

A deep vein is a vein that is deep in the body. This contrasts with superficial veins that are close to the body's surface.

Deep veins are almost always beside an artery with the same name (e.g. the femoral vein is beside the femoral artery). Collectively, they carry the vast majority of the blood. Occlusion of a deep vein can be life-threatening and is most often caused by thrombosis. Occlusion of a deep vein by thrombosis is called deep vein thrombosis.

Because of their location deep within the body, operation on these veins can be difficult.


Upper limb[edit]

Lower limb[edit]


  1. ^ Princeton Review (2003). Anatomy Coloring Workbook, Second Edition. The Princeton Review. p. 196. ISBN 978-0-375-76342-7.