What is Human Pulse?
In physiology, the students have to learn different functional systems of the human body. There are so many systems always functioning in the body. Among them, the cardiovascular system is a vital system of the human body. Through this process, blood is conveyed through vessels to and from different parts of the body. With blood, oxygen and essential nutrients also flow. It is mainly the process of removing carbon dioxide and carrying oxygen all over the body. The Human Cardiovascular System is also known as the human pulse. The central organ which is responsible for this system is the heart. In this article, we are going to discuss pulse detail.
Pulses in Body
Pulse is the representation of the human cardiovascular system. It is measured to check the state of the human cardiac cycle. When the heart pumps blood, the blood's impact on the elastic wall creates a pressure wave. This pressure wave is measured as the pulse in the human body. The pulse can be measured at some points of the human body.
Pulse Points in the Human Body
As the pulse represents the human cardiovascular system, it can not be measured at any point in the human body. There are some specific points where the pulse can be felt and measured. Those points are called Pulse points of the human body. There are seven Pulse points on the human body, where the pulse can be felt. The pulse points of the human body are -
Radial artery (wrist)
Carotid artery (neck)
Brachial artery (medial border of the humerus)
Femoral artery (at the groin)
Popliteal artery (behind the knee)
Dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial arteries (foot)
Abdominal aorta (abdomen)
By different touching processes, the pulse can be felt and measured at these points mentioned above.
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Arterial Pulse
The pulse can be measured at the pulse points of the human body. Arterial points are some of them. The pulse points, where the artery's expansion measures the pulse, are called arterial Pulse. The artery is expanded by sudden ejection of the blood, transmitted throughout the arterial system. At the time of arterial expansion, the pulse can be felt.
Temporal Pulse
Temporal pulse is taken at a specific part of the human body. The temporal pulse can be measured at the point of the temporal artery. The temporal artery is in front of the ear. When the temporal artery is compressed against the temporal bone, the temporal pulse is taken. The temporal pulse can be felt by slightly placing and pressing the fingers on the head's side.
Feeling Pulse in Head
Usually, the pulse can be felt in the head. The cause of the head's pulse is the compression of the temporal artery against the temporal bone. If you feel pain in your temples, it is nothing to worry about. The reason for pain in the temples is the temporal pulse.
Pulse in Neck
Pulse can also be felt in the neck. The cause of the pulse in the neck is the carotid artery. When the carotid artery takes oxygen from the heart to the brain, the pulse can be felt. The pulse in the neck is called the carotid pulse. By putting the fingertip on any side of the neck, the pulse can be felt.
Types of Pulse
The types of Pulse are different based on their pulse points. There are seven types of pulse.
Temporal: It is felt in the head
Carotid: It is felt in the neck
Branchial: It is felt in the elbow
Femoral: It is felt at the groin
Radial: It is felt on the wrist
Popliteal: It is felt on the knee
Dorsalis pedis: It is felt on the foot
The Pulse Rate of the Human Body
Pulse rate indicates the state of the human cardiovascular system. By checking heartbeats per one minute, the pulse rate is calculated. Usually, children have an average pulse rate of 70- 100 beats per minute. Adults have an average pulse rate of 60- 100 beats per minute.
Tachycardia
A heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute is known as tachycardia. Tachycardia can be caused by a variety of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). A rapid heart rate isn't necessarily a cause for alarm. The heart rate, for example, often elevates during exercise or as a result of stress. There may be no symptoms or problems associated with tachycardia. Some types of tachycardia, if left untreated, can lead to major health concerns such as heart failure, stroke, or sudden cardiac death. Chest pain, fainting (syncope), lightheadedness, shortness of breath are common indications of the condition.
Types of Tachycardia
There are the following types of tachycardia which are mentioned below.
Atrial fibrillation is the most prevalent form of tachycardia. Chaotic, irregular electrical impulses in the upper chambers of the heart (atria) generate a rapid heartbeat.
Atrial flutter is similar to atrial fibrillation, it is caused due to the irregular electrical impulses in the atrial region.
Ventricular tachycardia, in this condition the ventricles are unable to expand and contract in order to pump enough blood to the body.
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is characterized by short bursts of hammering heartbeat (palpitations). It is characterized by arrhythmias that start above the ventricles.
Ventricular fibrillation results in ventricles quivering instead of contracting in a coordinated manner due to rapid, chaotic electrical impulses. This critical condition can lead to death.
Bradycardia
Bradycardia is the term used to define a slower than usual heart rate. Adults' hearts beat between 60 and 100 times per minute while they are at rest. Bradycardia may sometimes lead to a dangerous condition in which the heart beats too slowly and cannot pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body. Under such circumstances, patients may feel dizzy, weary, or weak, as well as breathless. Bradycardia can occur without causing any symptoms or problems. If bradycardia is severe, a pacemaker inserted in the heart may be required to keep the heart beating at a normal rhythm.
Types of Bradycardia
There are two main types of bradycardia, which are briefly explained below.
Sinus Syndrome- When the sinus node (the heart's own pacemaker) malfunctions and does not reliably initiate heartbeats, sick sinus syndrome develops. This is especially frequent in the elderly, although it can happen at any age.
Heart Block- A total or partial stoppage of electrical impulses on their path to the ventricles causes heart block, which causes a sluggish and irregular heartbeat. Cardiac block can occur at birth, as a result of various forms of heart illness (such as a heart attack), or as a result of age-related wear and tear on the electrical circuitry of the heart.
To conclude the article we can say we have learned about different types of pulses in the human body.
FAQs on Human Pulse
1. What is a pulse in the human body?
The pulse is the rhythmic expansion and recoil of an artery wall that occurs with each heartbeat. It is essentially a pressure wave transmitted through the arterial system each time the left ventricle of the heart pumps blood into the aorta. This wave can be felt at specific points on the body where an artery lies close to the skin's surface.
2. What is considered a normal pulse rate for an adult?
For a healthy adult at rest, a normal pulse rate typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (BPM). A pulse rate around 72 BPM is often cited as an average. However, the normal range can vary based on factors like age, fitness level, and time of day. Well-trained athletes, for example, may have a resting pulse rate as low as 40 BPM.
3. Where are the main pulse points located in the body?
The pulse can be measured at several points where an artery runs close to the surface of the body. The most common and easily accessible pulse points include:
- Radial artery: On the wrist, just below the thumb.
- Carotid artery: On the neck, to the side of the windpipe.
- Brachial artery: On the inside of the upper arm, near the elbow.
- Femoral artery: In the groin area.
- Popliteal artery: Behind the knee.
- Temporal artery: On the temple, at the side of the head.
- Dorsalis pedis artery: On the top of the foot.
4. How can you correctly measure your pulse rate?
To measure your pulse rate, use the tips of your first two fingers (index and middle finger). Do not use your thumb, as it has its own pulse. Gently press your fingers on a pulse point, such as the radial artery on your wrist. Count the number of beats you feel in 15 seconds and multiply this number by four to get your pulse rate in beats per minute (BPM). For a more accurate reading, you can also count the beats for a full 60 seconds.
5. What is the difference between pulse rate and heart rate?
Heart rate refers to the number of times your heart contracts or beats per minute. Pulse rate is the number of times your arteries expand and recoil in response to the heart's pumping action. In a healthy individual, the heart rate and pulse rate are typically equal because each heartbeat creates a corresponding pulse wave. However, in certain cardiovascular conditions, the pulse rate might be lower than the heart rate if some heartbeats are too weak to create a palpable pulse wave.
6. What do the terms tachycardia and bradycardia mean?
Tachycardia and bradycardia describe abnormal heart rates based on the CBSE syllabus for the academic year 2025-26.
- Tachycardia is a condition where the resting heart rate is consistently faster than normal, typically over 100 beats per minute in adults.
- Bradycardia is a condition where the resting heart rate is consistently slower than normal, typically below 60 beats per minute in adults (unless the person is a highly trained athlete).
7. Why can the pulse only be felt in arteries and not in veins?
The pulse is a direct result of the high-pressure wave of blood ejected from the heart's ventricles into the arteries. Arteries have thick, muscular, and elastic walls that expand and recoil with this pressure wave, making the pulse palpable. In contrast, by the time blood reaches the veins to return to the heart, the pressure has significantly dropped. Veins have thinner, less elastic walls and do not experience this strong pressure wave, which is why a pulse cannot be felt in them.
8. What factors can influence a person's pulse rate?
A person's pulse rate is not static and can be influenced by several physiological and environmental factors. Key factors include:
- Age: Infants and children have a higher resting pulse rate than adults.
- Physical activity: The pulse rate increases during exercise to supply more oxygen to muscles and decreases during rest.
- Fitness level: Well-conditioned athletes often have a lower resting pulse rate.
- Emotions: Stress, anxiety, or excitement can temporarily increase the pulse rate.
- Body temperature: Fever or exposure to high temperatures can raise the pulse rate.
- Medications: Certain drugs can either increase or decrease the pulse rate.
- Body position: The pulse rate may be slightly lower when lying down compared to standing up.
