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.
Read more about Pulse: Physiology, Normal Pulse Rates, Evaluation
Famous quotes containing the word pulse:
“My pulse as yours doth temperately keep time,
And makes as healthful music. It is not madness
That I have uttered.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“If the pulse of his people shall beat calmly under this experiment, another and another will be tried till the measure of despotism be filled up.”
—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)
“Oh Science, lift aloud thy voice that stills
The pulse of fear,”
—Lucretius (Titus Lucretius Carus)