Where is the radial pulse located?

The radial pulse is located on the wrist, specifically at the radial artery, which runs along the outer side of the forearm and can be felt just above the wrist bone. This site is commonly used to check heart rate and assess circulation because it is easily accessible and provides an accurate indication of the heart's rhythm and strength.

In clinical practice, the radial pulse is often assessed by using the index and middle fingers to press lightly against the wrist near the base of the thumb. This allows healthcare providers to gather important cardiovascular information quickly and effectively.

Other anatomical locations mentioned, such as the neck, ankle, and chest, correspond to different pulse sites, such as the carotid pulse (at the neck), dorsalis pedis or posterior tibial pulse (around the ankle), and apex beat of the heart (in the chest), which are also used in clinical assessments but do not pertain to the radial pulse.