Definition & Meaning of "axillary vein"

What is "axillary vein"?

The axillary vein is a crucial vessel that runs parallel to the axillary artery in the armpit region. It collects deoxygenated blood from various veins in the upper limb, including the brachial vein, basilic vein, and cephalic vein, and transports it back to the heart. The axillary vein plays a significant role in the venous circulation and is an important access point for medical procedures such as blood draws and intravenous therapies.