Femoral pulse

Femoral Pulse is a pulse that can be felt in the femoral artery, which is located in the groin area of the body. The femoral pulse is an important indicator of blood flow to the lower extremities and can be used to assess the cardiovascular system.

Anatomy

The femoral artery is one of the major arteries in the human body. It originates from the external iliac artery and continues down the thigh as the popliteal artery after passing through the adductor hiatus. The femoral artery supplies oxygenated blood to the tissues of the leg.

Clinical Significance

The femoral pulse is commonly used in medicine as a measure of cardiac output. It is often palpated during a physical examination. A weak or absent femoral pulse can indicate a blockage of the femoral artery, which can be a sign of peripheral artery disease or a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke.

Examination

To locate the femoral pulse, the examiner places their fingers on the mid-inguinal point, which is halfway between the pubic symphysis and the anterior superior iliac spine. The pulse should be palpable and strong. If it is weak or absent, this could indicate a problem with blood flow to the lower extremities.

See Also

• Pulse
• Cardiovascular system
• Femoral artery
• Physical examination