4S8 



THE AXILLARY VEIN. 



and hand, are each accompanied by two veins, named venze coniites • 

 These companion veins lie one on each side of the corresponding artery, 

 and are connected with each other at intervals by short cross branches, 

 vrhich in some places closely snrround the artery. Their distribution so 

 nearly corresponds with that of the arteries, that they need not be more 

 particulary described. 



The "brachial veins, or companion veins of the bracliial artery, 

 terminate at the lower margin of the subscapularis muscle by joining 

 the axillary vein ; not unfrequently, however, one of them will be found 

 to come forw\ard and unite with the basilic, which soon after becomes 

 continuous with the axillary vein. 



Between the several veins of the upper limb numerous communica- 

 tions exist in their whole course. Tims, those which lie beneath the 

 integument are connected to each other by branches in the hand and 

 forearm. Not only are the veins in each pair of vena3 comites united 

 by short transverse vessels crossing the artery which they accompany, 

 but also those attending different arteries have frequent connections 

 with each other. Lastly, the subcutaneous and the deep veins commu- 

 nicate freely, especially in the neighbourhood of joints. This general 

 anastomosis ensures the continuance of the circulation during musc:ilar 

 action in the frequent and varied motions of the limb. 



AXILLARY VEIN. 



The axillary vein collects all the blood returning from the upper 

 limb : its size is very considerable, and it is the highest of the veins of the 



Fis 312. 



21:2. — View of the Blood-vessels op the EianT Axilla and Arm euom the 



INNER side (from 11. Quaiii). 4 



The detailed description of this figure will be found at p. 399. The following 



numbers indicate the principal veins : — 2, the axillary vein ; 3, basilic vein ; 3', median 



basilic ; 4, 4', cephalic vein joining the acromial thoracic and axillary ; 6, alar-thoracie 



and subscapular ; 7, one of the brachial veins. 



