Chap. 7. Of the Veins of the Arms and Hands.
THe axillary Vein as we have observed in the fore∣going Chapter, is divided at the beginning of the Arm, into two remarkeable Branches: the upper and lesser, or the Vena Cephalica, and the lower and greater or Easilica.
The upper is called Vena humeraria Cubiti inferior, Cephalica or Capitalis, the Head-vein, because it is wont to be opened in Diseases of the Head, by the Ancients, and by later Surgeons also either out of Ignorance or Superstition.
In Brutes it arises from the external Jugular, in Men allwaies from the axillary, yet so that from the external Jugular a short twig may be inserted into the Cephalica.
It is carried in the Surface of the Body, between the fleshy Membrane and Coat of the Muscles.
Its external branch termed Funis Brachii, at the middle of the wrist, in the lower part, is joyned to a branch of the Basilica, and afterwards arising into the outer side of the wrist, passing along between the ring finger and the little finger, it is called Salvatella, which is that which the Arabians term Siele, who as others at this day, com∣mend the opening thereof in the left hand, against melan∣cholick diseases, acute Fevers, and tertian Agues, but in vain, and upon no ground at all. As Joh. Bap••. Sylva∣ticus has proved in a distinct Treatise, and Severinus late∣ly, whatever Spigelius may dispute touching Anastomoses of the Arteries, in the extream parts, wherewith the Spleen abounds: For the Spleen is more remote, and any other part may be as wel opened for there are Anastomoses in a manner every where.
They make that the inner branch of the Cephalica which constitutes the mediana.
Basilica by some call'd Cubiti interior, Epatica, Jecora∣ria, &c. the Liver vein, because in diseases of the Liver it is usually opened: but in the left side tis termed Liena∣ris the Spleen vein because the opening thereof is com∣mended in Diseases of the Spleen, upon no ground at all.
But let Surgeons take heed when they open this Vein, least they* 1.1 wound a Nerve of the third and fourth pare, which lies neer the same, whence follows great pain, a Feaver, Convulsion, and Death. Also Arteries lie be∣neath the same, which being hurt, causes au Aueurisma and effusion of Blood.
This Vein is divided into more Boughes then the Head vein. Under the tendon of the pectoral muscle it is divided into three Branches.
I The first goes along with that Nerve of the Arme, which they cal the fourth.
II The next is termed Medius and Profundus, beneath the Elboe Joynt divided into an external and an internal branch, separated but a little way one from another. The former provides for the Thumb, Forefinger, and Middlefinger; as also for the external muscles of the Hand. The latter being stretched along the middle bone of the Cubit, servs the Middlefinger, the Rinfinger, and the little finger, as also the internal Muscles of the Hand.
III The Subcutaneus is divided at the inner swelling of the Arm, is divided into a foremore and hindermore Branch: The latter descends under the Ulna by the little finger, where it is joyned to a Branch of the Cephalica. The former as it passes along the Cubit, produces another remarkeable Vein, which proceeds sometimes directly, otherwhiles with various turnings unto the wrist. And then as it is carried along the Cubit, with the inner Branch of the Cephalica, it makes a common Vein which is called
Mediana by Avicen nigra, tis cald the mediana or mid∣dle Vein because of its Sitnation in the midst of the Arm. It is frequently opened without danger, because there is no Nerve beneath it, but only the Tendon of a Muscle. From this or rather from that part of the Basilica, whence this arises, a branch is sent forth, which being divided a∣bove the Radius, produces an exteriour branch, between the Thumb and the Forefinger, which some cal Cephalica, others Occularis, and some again as Mundinus, Salvatella, and another more inward, betwixt the middle finger, and the Ring finger, which some as Rhasis count the Sielc or rather Seilem of Avicenna.
But touching the Distribution of all these Veins it is to be observed, that* 1.2 they differ in several Bodies, and are seldome in one man, as they are in a∣nother; yea the right side of the same man does rarely agree with the lest; and in like man∣ner they varie in Magnitude, in several persons.