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Finally, follow the course of the basilic and cephalic veins in the arm. The basilic vein lies on the medial side of the arm. It pierces the deep fascia about 8-10 cm above the elbow and joins the brachial vein. The cephalic vein, passes along the lateral aspect of the arm and enters the deltopectoral groove between the pectoralis major muscle and deltoid muscle. It pierces the fascia of the deltopectoral triangle and joins the axillary vein.
Note: Although the pattern of the superficial veins is extremely variable, a general knowledge of their distribution is essential in the clinical setting when placing intravenous lines and collecting venous blood samples.Links and References:
Grant's: 6.4, 6.5, and 6.55
Netter (1ed.): 452 and 453 (2ed.): 448 and 449
Rohen/Yokochi: 384, 393, and 398