Pulse

Pulse, throb in the artery walls due to the beating of the heart. The walls expand when the heart contracts and contract when the heart relaxes. This creates a wave of pressure that can be felt externally. The pulse is usually counted on the thumb side of the wrist, but it may be taken over any artery that can be felt. A doctor takes the pulse to determine if the heart is beating normally.

See also: Artery; Heart.