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In human anatomy, the cephalic vein (also known as the antecubital vein)is a superficial vein of the upper limb. It communicates with the basilic vein via the median cubital vein at the elbow and is located in the superficial fascia along the anterolateral surface of the biceps brachii muscle.ermanent pacemaker leads are often placed in the cephalic vein in the deltopectoral groove. The vein may be used for intravenous access, and is sometimes referred to as the 'House-man's Friend' because a large bore cannula may be easily placed.
The cephalic vein is located on the front of the foreleg (the dorsal surface). The vein runs under the skin between the carpal (wrist) joint and the elbow. The image below shows the cephalic vein.In this case, I have put a tourniquet on the elbow so that the vein fills with blood and is easier to see.he vein runs under the skin between the carpal (wrist) joint and the elbow. The image below shows the cephalic vein. In this case, I have put a tourniquet on the elbow so that the vein fills with blood and is easier to see.