Deep veins of the upper extremity

The deep veins of the upper extremity include the paired ulnar, radial, and interosseous veins in the forearm; paired brachial veins of the upper arm; and axillary vein. The axillary vein originates at the lower border of the teres major muscle in continuity with the brachial veins. The basilic and cephalic veins, which are superficial veins, contribute to the axillary vein, though many anatomic variations occur. After passing the outer margin of the first rib, the axillary vein continues as the subclavian vein.