Which artery is felt when taking the pulse at the wrist?

The pulse felt at the wrist is primarily due to the radial artery, which runs along the thumb side of the forearm and terminates at the wrist. When you palpate the radial artery, you can feel the beating of the artery as blood is pumped from the heart. This artery is commonly used in clinical settings because it is easily accessible and provides a good indication of overall circulatory health.

The radial artery is distinct from the femoral artery, which is located in the groin region; the subclavian artery, which is found beneath the clavicle; and the popliteal artery, which is located at the back of the knee. Each of these arteries serves different areas of the body and is not accessible at the wrist like the radial artery. Understanding the anatomy and location of these arteries is crucial for clinical practice, particularly in monitoring vital signs and assessing blood flow.