cephalic vein
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. A major superficial vein of the upper limb: The cephalic vein is a prominent, large vein located just beneath the skin (superficial) in the arm. It runs along the outer (lateral) side of the biceps muscle, from the hand up to the shoulder, where it drains into the axillary vein.
Examples
- Noun:
- The nurse used the cephalic vein for the intravenous drip because it was easily accessible.
- During the anatomy lab, students identified the cephalic vein on the cadaver's forearm.
- An ultrasound confirmed a thrombosis in the patient's cephalic vein.
Advanced Usage
- Clinical significance: The cephalic vein is a common site for venipuncture (drawing blood), inserting intravenous (IV) catheters, and for surgical procedures like creating arteriovenous fistulas for dialysis access.
- The surgeon chose the cephalic vein for the vascular access procedure.
Variants and Related Words
- Cephalic (adjective): Pertaining to the head, or situated toward the head end of the body. In the term "cephalic vein," it describes the vein's historical association with running toward the head/shoulder region.
- The cephalic presentation of the fetus is normal for birth.
Synonyms
- Vena cephalica: The Latin anatomical term.
- (The) outer arm vein: A descriptive, non-technical synonym.
Related Anatomical Terms
- Axillary vein: The larger, deeper vein into which the cephalic vein empties near the shoulder.
- Basilic vein: The other major superficial vein of the arm, running along the inner (medial) side.
- Superficial venous system: The network of veins close to the skin's surface, which includes the cephalic vein.
Noun
- a large vein of the arm that empties into the axillary vein