what does the cephalic vein drain
cephalic vein, one of the four superficial veins of the upper limb. It receives deoxygenated blood from the dorsal and palmar surfaces of the forearm. Compare basilic vein, dorsal digital vein, median antebrachial vein.eÂ·phalÂ·ic vein. subcutaneous vein that arises at the radial border of the dorsal venous network of the hand, passes upward anterior to the elbow and along the lateral side of the arm; it empties into the upper part of the axillary vein.