It classically shunts blood from the cephalic to the basilic vein at the roof of the cubital fossa.

It arises from the cephalic vein 2.5 cm (one inch) below the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, runs obliquely upward and medially, and empties into the basilic vein 2.5 cm (one inch) above the medial epicondyle.

[1] It lies on the anterior aspect of the elbow,[2] in the cubital fossa superficial to the bicipital aponeurosis.

[3] The median cubital vein receives a number of tributaries from the anterior forearm.

[5] The median cubital vein is routinely used for phlebotomy and venipuncture (taking blood), and as a site for an intravenous cannula.