Which vein is formed by the confluence of the brachial and basilic veins?

The axillary vein is formed by the confluence of the brachial and basilic veins. The brachial veins are paired veins that run alongside the brachial artery and collect blood from the muscles of the upper arm. The basilic vein is a superficial vein that drains blood from the forearm and contributes to the venous drainage of the upper limb. When these two veins merge, they create the axillary vein, which is responsible for draining blood from the upper limb into the subclavian vein, allowing for proper circulation and return of deoxygenated blood to the heart.

Understanding the anatomy of these veins is crucial for recognizing their significance in clinical scenarios, especially in procedures such as venipuncture, the placement of central venous catheters, and in evaluating conditions like venous thrombosis in the upper extremities.