The axillary vein runs along the medial side of the axillary atery. It begins at the lateral border of the first rib. It continues along the subclavian artery. The basilic vein is continued by this vein. The vein receives the axillary artery's tributaries. The cephalic vein connects with the axillary vein forming the subclavian vein. The vein conveys blood from the thorax, armpit, and upper limb. Both sides of the body each have an axillary vein. Their tributaries are the basilic and cephalic veins. An ailment involving the axillary vein is axillary vein thrombosis. This is caused by swelling and pain in the upper limb. It is due to occlusion of both the subclavian and axillary veins. Very little cases of deep vein thrombosis are associated with axillary vein thrombosis. A quarter of patients who undergo central nervous cannulation have reported occurrences of axillary vein thrombosis.
Written and medically reviewed by the Healthline Editorial Team
In Depth: Axillary vein