Explanation
Pulse reading is used by doctors to measure the number of heart beats per minute.
Each heartbeat causes blood to be pushed through the arteries, which creates a pulse that can be felt at certain points of the body.
What is Pulse?
Pulse is the rhythmic expansion and contraction of arteries caused by the pumping action of the heart.
Normal Pulse Rate
• Adult → 60–100 beats per minute
• Children → 70–120 beats per minute
• Athletes may have lower pulse rates due to efficient heart function
Common Pulse Points in the Body
• Radial artery → Wrist (most commonly checked)
• Carotid artery → Neck
• Brachial artery → Upper arm
• Femoral artery → Thigh
Relation Between Pulse and Heartbeat
Each pulse corresponds to one heartbeat because when the heart contracts (systole), it sends blood through arteries producing a pulse.
Important Related Concepts for Exams
Heart → Muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body
Arteries → Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart
Veins → Carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart
Capillaries → Smallest blood vessels where exchange of gases occurs
Human Heart Facts
• Human heart has four chambers → Right atrium, Right ventricle, Left atrium, Left ventricle
• Average heart beats about 100,000 times per day
• Heart pumps about 5 liters of blood per minute in an adult