THE VEINS i8i 



the forearm superficially to the fibrous aponeurosis. At the upper 

 extremity of the forearm it terminates by joining the median vein, but 

 occasionally it is found to empty itself into the cephalic division of the 

 median. 



The Posterior Radial Feins. — Of these there are usually three or four. 

 They arise from the carpal plexus, and follow the course of the posterior 

 radial artery, so that it is unnecessary here to describe the course which 

 they take. At the elbow they unite with the ulnar and basilic veins to 

 form the brachial vein. 



The Anterior Radial Vein follows closely the course taken by the 

 corresponding artery. 



The Ulnar Vein. — This vein arises from the carpal plexus. It receives 

 a number of branches from the skin and muscles, and places itself in com- 

 pany with the ulnar nerve and artery in the space between the tendons 

 of the middle and external flexors of the metacarpus. It follows the 

 course of the artery up the forearm. From the inner aspect ot the 

 olecranon process it curves forwards, and concurs in forming the brachial 

 vein at a lower level than the point where the brachial artery gives off 

 its ulnar branch. 



Owing to its close proximity to the ulnar nerve, this vein is con- 

 cerned in the performance of ulnar neurectomy, and the method of deal- 

 ing with it has already been indicated. 



The Brachial Vein. — The formation of this vein will be gathered from 

 the above description of the veins of the forearm. It commences just 

 above the elbow joint, and passes upwards behind and slightly internal 

 to the brachial artery. Its course and branches closely correspond to 

 those of the brachial artery, and so need not be described. 



The subcutaneous thoracic or spur vein communicates with the deep 

 humeral branch of the brachial vein. 



The Axillary Vein. — This is an enormous vessel which is the upward 

 continuation of the brachial vein. It commences at the inner aspect of 

 (and just below) the shoulder joint. It receives branches which corre- 



