Blood vesselVein
Cephalic vein
Latin: Vena cephalica sinistra
Location: Arm
Paired structure: one on the left and one on the right side of the body.
View the cephalic vein in 3DCourse
Arises from the dorsal venous network's radial side, ascends the forearm's lateral border, continues up the deltopectoral groove, and pierces the clavipectoral fascia to join the axillary vein.
Drains
Lateral forearm and arm's superficial tissues.
Clinical relevance
The 'houseman's vein' — often the most visible in thin arms for cannulation; PICC lines are usually placed in the basilic vein instead, because the cephalic vein's angled junction with the axillary vein can obstruct them. Its isolation at the deltopectoral groove (cut-down site) rescues access when peripheral veins fail.
Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.