Which anatomical structure does the cephalic vein cross?

The correct answer is that the cephalic vein crosses the anatomical snuffbox. The anatomical snuffbox is a triangular depression located on the lateral aspect of the wrist, formed by the tendons of certain muscles. It serves as an important landmark for various anatomical structures.

The cephalic vein, which is a major superficial vein of the arm, is known to run along the lateral side of the forearm and then curves around the radial side of the wrist, crossing over the anatomical snuffbox. This positioning is significant for both surgical procedures and clinical assessments involving the wrist and forearm region. Understanding this relationship allows clinicians to navigate along the cephalic vein safely during venipuncture or other procedures.

In contrast, the radial artery, scapula, and brachial plexus are not directly crossed by the cephalic vein. The radial artery lies deep to the cephalic vein in the forearm, while the scapula is a bone that does not intersect the pathway of the vein. The brachial plexus, a network of nerves located in the neck and axilla, is also not traversed by the cephalic vein, which primarily travels superficially in the upper limb.