Which artery is typically used to take the pulse at the wrist?

The radial artery is the primary artery used to take the pulse at the wrist due to its location that allows for easy palpation. It runs along the lateral aspect of the forearm and crosses near the wrist, making it accessible for measuring heart rate. This artery is sufficiently close to the surface of the skin, which enables healthcare providers to easily feel the pulse.

While other arteries, such as the brachial or carotid, can also be used to measure a pulse, they are not as practical for this specific site. The brachial artery is located further up the arm, and the carotid artery is in the neck, while the femoral artery is in the thigh, making them less convenient for wrist palpation. The radial artery’s anatomical position and size make it the standard choice for assessing pulse rate in clinical practice.