Palpable body pulses

When palpating arteries we should use our finger tip, not the thumb (as own pulse, can mislead us). Very gentle, sensitive touch must be used, too much can compress the artery and prevent its pulsation.

Upper Limb

Subclavian

Posterior to the mid-point of clavicle, behind the insertion of scalene anterior to the first rib.

Axillary

Into the axila, behind the anterior and against the lateral wall, pressing upwards and laterally.

Braquial

Can be traced down the medial side of the arm, easier just prior to passing under the bicipital aponeurosis in front of the elbow.

Radial (*)

Wrap hand around back of wrist, feeling on the lower end and anterior border of radius and its styloid process.

Ulnar

More difficult (under palmar aponeurosis). Just lateral, or just proximal to pisiform bone.

Posterior Metacarpal arteries

Between metacarpal bones, especially at their bases.

Palmar digital

Each side of palmar aspect of each finger, clearer beyond cleft of fingers.

Princeps Pollicis

In the cleft between the thumb and index finger.

Lower Limb

Femoral

In the groin just half below the mid-point of the inguinal ligament, directly anterior of the head of femur.

Popliteal

Very difficult, depends on the amount of fat in the fossa. Bend knee to 45º to reduce tension, palpate in the popliteal fossa.

Anterior Tibial

As it crosses the anteromedial aspect of the ankle joint between tendons of extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus, can be felt until the space between the first and second metatarsals. After the extensors retinaculum is called Dorsal Pedis (*)

Posterior Tibial

Behind the medial malleolus, between tendons of flexor digitorum longus and flexor hallucis longus.

Head and Neck

Common Carotid (*)

On either side of thyroid cartilage, deep to sternocleidomastoid.

Superficial temporal

Between the tragus of the ear and neck of mandible. Also at the upper limit of temporalis.

Facial

When it crosses the lower border of the body of mandible, half way between the angle of mandible and the mental tubercle.

Supra-orbital

As it crosses the medial superior margin of the orbit

Vertebral artery

Its pulse is at the mastoid process area.

Abdomen

Abdominal Aorta

Supine position, fingers deeply to the left of umbilicus, compressing it to the vertebral bodies.