median cubital The median cubital vein connects the cephalic and basilic veins in the cubital fossa. This vein shunts blood from the cephalic vein to the basilic vein. Venipunctures are usually done in the median cubital vein, so this is the best answer to pick. Another reason that median cubital vein is a favorite is the fact that it is anchored in place by a perforating vein connecting to the brachial veins - so that it doesn't move out of the way of the venipuncture needle. However, don't forget that venipunctures can be done in other veins, including the basilic and cephalic veins. Both of these veins arise from the dorsal venous arch of the hand--the basilic vein travels up the medial side of the arm and the cephalic vein travels up the lateral side of the arm. The median antebrachial vein travels in the center of the forearm and drains into the median cubital vein.