Over the next few weeks, we\u2019ll be diving head first into the anatomical explanations for some of the routine procedures you may have experienced when visiting the doctor. ?\u200d\u2695\ufe0f Let\u2019s start by looking at what happens when you have your pulse taken. ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a number of different parts of the body where the pulse can be taken. For example, in the upper limb ? the pulse can be measured at the wrist, or in the lower limb? on the front of the foot. Let\u2019s take a look at the pulse points in the head in a little more detail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to note that we can feel a pulse in each of these locations because an artery is running close to the skin and is easily compressed against a hard structure below. \u2620\ufe0f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the head there are three pulse points (labelled above). They are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each time the heart beats \u2764\ufe0f blood is forced into the periphery in \u2018waves\u2019? which causes the pressure of blood in the vessels increase. Because it is elastic, this increase in pressure makes the vessel expand. It is these increases in blood pressure, called the systolic pressure, which can be felt when someone takes your pulse. This means someone can measure the rate at which your heart is beating by taking your pulse \u23f1\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As well as the heart rate, a clinician can also appreciate the rhythm of your heart – if it is beating regularly. Additionally they can even make a rudimentary assessment of the functionality of your heart – if the pulse is weak, the heart might not be pumping blood efficiently. This non-invasive method of assessment can tell us quite a lot about the old ticker! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use the proven learning power of 3D anatomy to better understand the anatomical relations of the body with Complete Anatomy. <\/strong>Try it for FREE<\/strong><\/a> today.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you found this blog post useful, you might also enjoy learning about the valves of the heart.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"