Context: The study of veins of the upper limbs in living humans and also the study of dorsal venous arch pattern in the upper limbs are important. Aim: To study the patterns in the dorsal venous arch and superficial veins of upper limbs in humans. Settings and Design: Present cross-sectional study was carried out at JN Medical College, Belgaum. Methods: Institution based cross sectional study was carried out among 100 study subjects of age 18–70 years in whom the superficial veins were prominently seen. Tourniquet, Pencil, Rubber, measuring tape, Thread, Camera were used. A tourniquet was tied obliquely to slightly abducted arm inferomedially at the level of lower border of teres major and superolaterally up to greater tubercle of humerus. The superficial veins of upper limb were made prominent by asking person to flex and extend elbow and wrist alternately for 2–3 times. Superficial veins of the arm, forearm and hand were studied and the parameters of the veins like Site of origin of the vein, Variations of vein, Course and length of vein up to the tourniquet were noted down. Statistical Analysis: The data was described as mean values and difference was assessed by using t - test. Results: We observed five different patterns in cubital fossa. 11 different patterns were observed in right hand and 10 in left hand. The mean length (cm) of cephalic vein, basilic vein, median cubital vein and median vein of forearm in left upper limb of females was 51.6, 50.8, 11.3, 18.1 respectively, in left upper limb of males was 53.2, 50.4, 11.6, 18.1 respectively, in right upper limbs of female was 51.3, 50.8, 12.7, 17.9 respectively, and in right upper limbs of male was 51.9, 50.4, 11.6, and 17.5 cm respectively. These differences were statistically not significant. Conclusion: Five different patterns in cubital fossa. 11 different patterns were observed in right hand and 10 in left hand.

Keywords: Patterns; Dorsal venous arch; Veins; Upper limbs; Humans.