Ulnar Veins

venae ulnares

The ulnar veins are paired deep veins (venae comitantes) running alongside the ulnar artery. They begin in the superficial and deep palmar venous arches of the hand and receive the anterior and posterior interosseous veins near the elbow. They communicate with the superficial median cubital vein and join the radial veins to form the brachial veins.

Anatomical Data

Course & Branches

Origin	Superficial and deep palmar venous arches of the hand
Course	Accompany the ulnar artery up the forearm deep to flexor carpi ulnaris and unite with the radial veins in the cubital fossa to form the brachial veins
Branches	Anterior and posterior interosseous veins Muscular veins of the medial forearm Communication with the median cubital vein (deep median vein)

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The ulnar veins form part of the deep venous drainage of the forearm, so blood can still leave the hand if superficial veins are lost to trauma or repeated cannulation. They accompany the ulnar artery and nerve on the ulnar side of the forearm and can be damaged with them in deep wrist lacerations. Deep vein thrombosis of the forearm veins is uncommon compared with thrombosis of the axillary and subclavian veins.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Ulnar Neurovascular Injury in Wrist Lacerations

Deep cuts on the ulnar side of the wrist may divide the ulnar artery, its venae comitantes and the ulnar nerve together, causing brisk bleeding and loss of sensation and intrinsic muscle function.

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