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In medicine, one's pulse represents the tactile arterial palpation of the heartbeat by trained fingertips. The pulse may be palpated in any place that allows an artery to be compressed against a bone, such as at the neck (carotid artery), at the wrist (radial artery), behind the knee (popliteal artery), on the inside of the elbow (brachial artery), and near the ankle joint (posterior tibial artery). The pulse can also be measured by listening to the heart beat directly (auscultation), traditionally using a stethoscope.

The ventral aspect of the wrist on the side of the thumb (radial artery). The ulnar artery. The neck (carotid artery). The inside of the elbow, or under the biceps muscle (brachial artery). The groin (femoral artery). Behind the medial malleolus on the feet (posterior tibial artery). Middle of dorsum of the foot (dorsalis pedis). Behind the knee (popliteal artery). Over the abdomen (abdominal aorta). The chest (apex of heart), which can be felt with one's hand or fingers. However, it is possible to auscultate the heart using a stethoscope The temple (superficial temporal artery The lateral edge of the mandible (facial artery).

Normal Pulse Rates Normal pulse rates in beats per minute (BPM):
newborn 1 12 months 12 years 26 years 6 12 years 13 years adults adult athletes

120 - 160

80 - 140

80 - 130

75 - 120

75 - 110

60 - 100

40 - 60

The pulse rate can be used to check overall heart health and fitness level. Generally lower is better, but there is a condition called Bradycardia that can be dangerous. Symptoms include weakness, loss of energy and fainting.

Axillary pulse: located inferiorly of the lateral wall of the axilla Brachial pulse: located on the inside of the upper arm near the elbow, frequently used in place of carotid pulse in infants (brachial artery) Radial pulse: located on the lateral of the wrist (radial artery). It can also be found in the anatomical snuff box Ulnar pulse: located on the medial of the wrist (ulnar artery).

Femoral pulse: located in the inner thigh, at the mid-inguinal point, halfway between the pubic symphysis and anterior superior iliac spine (femoral artery). Popliteal pulse: Above the knee in the popliteal fossa, found by holding the bent knee. The patient bends the knee at approximately 124, and the physician holds it in both hands to find the popliteal artery in the pit behind the knee (Popliteal artery). Dorsalis pedis pulse: located on top of the foot, immediately lateral to the extensor of hallucis longus (dorsalis pedis artery). Tibialis posterior pulse: located on the medial side of the ankle, 2 cm inferior and 2 cm posterior to the medial malleolus (posterior tibial artery). It is easily palpable over Pimenta's Point.

Carotid pulse: located in the neck (carotid artery). Facial pulse: located on the mandible (lower jawbone) on a line with the corners of the mouth (facial artery). Temporal pulse: located on the temple directly in front of the ear (superficial temporal artery).

Apical pulse: located in the 4.5th or 5th left intercostal space, just outside the midclavicular line.