The basilic vein is a large superficial vein of the upper limb that helps drain parts of the hand and forearm.

[1] It originates on the medial (ulnar) side of the dorsal venous network of the hand and travels up the base of the forearm, where its course is generally visible through the skin as it travels in the subcutaneous fat and fascia lying superficial to the muscles.

[2] As it ascends the medial side of the biceps in the arm proper (between the elbow and shoulder), the basilic vein normally perforates the brachial fascia (deep fascia) in the middle of the medial bicipital groove, and run upwards medial to the brachial artery to the lower border of teres major, continuing as the axillary vein.

[citation needed] Around the inferior border of the teres major muscle and just proximal to the basilic vein's termination, the anterior and posterior circumflex humeral veins drain into it.

[citation needed] Vascular surgeons sometimes utilize the basilic vein to create an AV (arteriovenous) fistula or AV graft for hemodialysis access in patients with kidney failure.