Dorsal metacarpal veins

Dorsal metacarpal veins
The veins on the dorsum of the hand.
Details
SourceDorsal digital veins
Drains toDorsal venous network of hand
ArteryDorsal metacarpal arteries
Identifiers
Latinvenae metacarpales dorsales
TA98A12.3.08.025
TA24969
FMA70940
Anatomical terminology

The dorsal digital veins from the adjacent sides of the fingers unite to form three dorsal metacarpal veins, which end in a dorsal venous net-work opposite the middle of the metacarpus.

They are a popular site for peripheral venous cannulation because they tend to be prominent veins which are easily accessible and do not lie over a point of flexion - so are not too uncomfortable for the patient.