Anatomical
Regions and Pulse
Points
Lauren Pelescak BSN, RN
Importance
It is crucial for understanding the body systems to also learn
the anatomical regions of the body,
1. Accurate communication
2. Assessment skills
3. Clinical Practices
4. Emergency situations
Head Region
Cranial or cephalic (skull and head)
Auricle or otic region (ears)
Facial region (eyes, nose, mouth,
cheeks)
Nasal region (nose)
Oral region (mouth
Orbital or Ocular (region (eye
sockets)
Mental region (chin)
Buccal Region (cheeks)
Cervical region (neck)
Neck Region
● Cervical region (neck)
● Anterior neck (larynx, trachea)
● Posterior neck (muscles, vertebrae)
Thorax Region
Thoracic cavity (chest),
Rib cage,
Sternum,
Mediastinum (space between lungs)
Abdominal Region
● Abdominal cavity
● Epigastric region (upper abdomen)
● Umbilical region (mid-abdomen)
● Hypogastric region (lower abdomen)
● Right and left lumbar regions
● Right and left hypochondriac regions
Abdominal Quadrants
Pelvis Region
● Pelvic cavity
● Pelvic bones (ilium, ischium, pubis)
● Perineum (area between anus and genitals
Upper Extremitiy
● Shoulder region
● Arm region (humerus)
● Forearm region (radius, ulna)
● Hand region (wrist, metacarpals,
phalanges)
Lower Extremity
●
●
●
●
Hip region
Thigh region (femur)
Leg region (tibia, fibula)
Foot region (ankle, tarsals, metatarsals,
phalanges
Pulse Points
Definition: the wave of
blood felt in an artery with
each heartbeat
Importance of assessing
pulse points: to evaluate
heart rhythm, and blood
flow.
Head and Neck
Temporal: located on
temple near the ear.
Facial Artery: on side of
face, neara the corner of
mouth
Carotid: on the side of the
neck, just below the angle
of the mandible.
**avoid excess pressure on
this are
Upper Extremities
Brachial Artery: inside
the antecubital fossa,
(inner elbow crease)
Radial Artery: on the
wrist, at base of the
thumb
Abdominal
Femoral Artery: In the
groin area, just below
the inguinal ligament
Lower Extremity
Popliteal Artery: behind
the knee
Posterior Tibial Artery:
being the ankle
Dorsalis Pedis Artery: On
the top of the foot between
the big and second toe.
Clinical Significance and how to palpate
Significance: to assess circulatory status, Identify potential
circulatory problems like shook or peripheral vascular
disease, and to monitor patients
How to Palpate a pulse:
● Use the pads of your fingers
● Apply gentle pressure
● Count the number of beats for a set time period.