Corpus: Dorsal venous network of the hand

The dorsal venous network of the hand is an epifascial, branched venous network on the back of the hand.

The dorsal venous network of the hand is fed by the inflowing dorsal metacarpal veins. Furthermore, it receives inflows from the less developed superficial palmar venous arch.

It forms the origin region for the cephalic vein and the basilic vein.

The veins on the back of the hand are often used for placing a peripheral venous catheter, as they are easy to locate, and the back of the hand provides a firm base that prevents the catheter from bending during movements.