cephalic vein cephalic vein in human anatomy, the cephalic vein is a superficial vein in the arm. it originates from the radial end of the dorsal venous network of hand, and ascends along the radial (lateral) side of the arm before emptying into the axillary vein. at the elbow, it communicates with the basilic vein via the median cubital vein. cephalic veinsuperficial veins of the upper limbthe most frequent variations of the veins of the forearm.detailsdrains fromdorsal venous network of handdrains toaxillary vein and median cubital veinarterydeltoid branch of thoracoacromial arteryidentifierslatinvena cephalicata98a12.3.08.015ta24964fma13324anatomical terminology anatomy the cephalic vein is situated within the superficial fascia along the anterolateral surface of the biceps. origin the cephalic vein forms over the anatomical snuffbox at the radial end of the dorsal venous network of hand.: 983 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. 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. when the persian muslim physician ibn sīnā's canon was translated into medieval latin, cephalic was mistakenly chosen to render the arabic term al-kífal, meaning "outer". additional images cross-section through the middle of the forearm. the deep veins of the upper extremity. cross-section through the middle of upper arm (cephalic vein labeled at upper left) cephalic vein cephalic vein