median antebrachial vein /an′tēbrā″kē·əl/ , a superficial vein of the upper limb that drains the venous plexus on the palmar surface of the hand. It ascends on the ulnar side of the anterior forearm and at its terminus joins the median cubital vein. One of the veins of the median cubital complex commonly anastomoses with the deep veins of the forearm. The anastomosis holds the superficial vein in place and makes it a practical choice for venipuncture. Compare basilic vein, cephalic vein, dorsal digital vein.
