04/09/2025
The pulse can be felt where a superficial artery crosses over a firm surface like a bone or muscle. Here are the common pulse locations:
Upper Limb
Radial pulse – at the wrist, on the thumb side.
Ulnar pulse – at the wrist, on the little-finger side.
Brachial pulse – in the inner side of the elbow (cubital fossa) or mid-arm.
Axillary pulse – in the armpit.
Lower Limb
Femoral pulse – in the groin, midway between the p***c symphysis and anterior superior iliac spine.
Popliteal pulse – behind the knee, in the popliteal fossa.
Posterior tibial pulse – behind the medial malleolus (ankle bone, inner side).
Dorsalis pedis pulse – on the top of the foot, between the first and second metatarsal bones.
Head and Neck
Carotid pulse – in the neck, beside the trachea and beneath the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Temporal pulse – at the temple, in front of the ear.
Facial pulse – where the facial artery crosses the lower jaw near the angle of the mandible.
