MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -To check your pulse over your carotid artery, place your index and middle fingers on your neck to the side of your windpipe. When you feel your pulse, look at your watch and count the number of beats in 15 seconds. Multiply this number by 4 to get your heart rate per minute.

Detailed explanation-2: -To measure the pulse on the neck, place the index and middle finger just to the side of the Adam’s apple, in the soft hollow area. This pulse is felt in the common carotid artery.

Detailed explanation-3: -Your carotid arteries are blood vessels that supply blood to your brain, face and neck. You have two common carotid arteries, one on each side of your neck: Left common carotid artery.

Detailed explanation-4: -The carotid pulse is felt by palpating the common carotid artery on either side of the neck in the groove between the infrahyoid muscles and the trachea. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation this pulse is routinely checked and its absence can indicate cardiac arrest.

Detailed explanation-5: -Examination of the carotid pulse is generally directed toward evaluating the status of the heart. While palpation of the carotid pulse is the most important component, the examination should also include inspection and auscultation.