Radial
• Palmar side of wrist, between flexor carpi radialis tendon and radius.
Brachial
• Cubital fossa, medial to biceps tendon.
Carotid
• Just lateral to upper border of thyroid cartilage.
Superficial temporal:
• Anterior to ear as crosses temporal bone's zygomatic process.
Abdominal aorta:
• In midline, at umbilicus pressing into abdomen.
• Use caution if large AAA, to avoid rupture.
Femoral
• Below inguinal ligament, midway between ASIS and pubic symphysis [not
pubic tubercle].
• May be reduced or absent in arteriosclerotic dz.
Popliteal
• Flex knee before palpating.
• In midline, on popliteal side of lower end of femur.
• Most difficult one to palpate.
• Alternative method: Dr's one hand on pt's knee, other hand under knee.
Push flexed knee downwards [into extension] until can feel popliteal.
Posterior tibial
• Posterior, inferior to medial malleolus, between flexor digitorum longus
and flexor hallucis longus.
Dorsalis pedis
• Lateral to extensor hallucis longus, over tarsal bones.
• Palpate with 3 fingers along artery.
• May be reduced or absent in peripheral vascular dz.
