Where is the brachial pulse located?

The brachial pulse is located inside the elbow, specifically in the antecubital fossa, which is the area where the arm bends. This pulse is a critical assessment point for health care providers because it allows them to evaluate blood flow and circulation to the forearm and hand.

During assessments, palpating the brachial pulse is particularly useful in infants and is commonly employed for measuring blood pressure. The other locations mentioned—at the wrist (the radial pulse), in the neck (the carotid pulse), and behind the knee (the popliteal pulse)—are associated with different arteries and serve as assessment points for other circulatory evaluations. Understanding the specific location of the brachial pulse helps individuals performing patient assessments to accurately monitor cardiovascular stability and respond appropriately in clinical scenarios.