Dorsal metacarpal veins

Dorsal metacarpal veins
The veins on the dorsum of the hand.
Details
Source	dorsal digital veins
Drains to	dorsal venous network of hand
Artery	dorsal metacarpal arteries
Identifiers
Latin	venae metacarpales dorsales
Dorlands /Elsevier	v_05/12851039
TA	A12.3.08.025
FMA	70940
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.