What Makes the Temple a Pulse Point?
Anatomically, the temple is a pulse point because it is where the superficial temporal artery passes close to the skin's surface, directly over the temporal bone. This makes it one of several locations on the body where arterial pulsations can be felt by applying light pressure. The superficial temporal artery is a branch of the external carotid artery, which is responsible for supplying blood to the face and scalp. Its prominent position makes the pulse here distinct and accessible, particularly for certain medical assessments.
The Superficial Temporal Artery
The superficial temporal artery arises within the parotid gland and courses upwards, in front of the tragus of the ear. As it travels, it gives off smaller branches that supply blood to the muscles and skin of the forehead and scalp. Because of its superficial position, especially in the area known as the temple, the rhythmic expansion of the artery with each heartbeat is noticeable. This is why feeling a pulse in this area is a normal physiological phenomenon. Understanding this anatomy is crucial for appreciating why the temporal pulse is a viable site for assessment.
How to Accurately Locate and Palpate Your Temporal Pulse
Finding your temporal pulse is a straightforward process that requires only gentle pressure. Follow these steps to accurately locate and palpate your pulse:
- Position Yourself: Sit or lie down in a relaxed position. This helps keep your body and head still for easier detection.
- Use the Right Fingers: Place your index and middle fingers on your temple. Avoid using your thumb, as it has its own pulse that could interfere with your reading.
- Find the Location: The ideal spot is slightly in front of the ear and just above the cheekbone. You can also trace the path where your sunglasses would rest on the side of your head.
- Apply Gentle Pressure: Apply very light pressure to the area. The temporal artery is quite superficial, so heavy pressure can compress the artery too much and obscure the pulse.
- Feel the Rhythm: You should feel a rhythmic, throbbing sensation under your fingertips. This is your pulse.
- Count the Beats: Use a watch with a second hand or a timer on your phone. Count the number of beats you feel in 60 seconds to determine your heart rate.
When is the Temporal Pulse Checked?
While not as common for routine pulse checks as the radial pulse on the wrist, the temporal pulse has specific clinical uses, especially when other sites are inaccessible.
- Infants and Children: In some cases, healthcare providers may use the temporal pulse to check circulation in very young patients where other pulses can be more difficult to find.
- Assessing Circulation: The temporal pulse can be used to assess circulation to the head and brain, particularly in cases of head trauma or altered consciousness.
- Assessing for Temporal Arteritis: This is a specific clinical use where tenderness or a decreased pulse in the temporal artery is a sign of inflammation. A biopsy of this artery is sometimes required to diagnose the condition.
Important Considerations for Your Temporal Pulse
It's normal to feel your temporal pulse, especially after exercise or when lying down, due to increased blood flow or position changes. However, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. A persistent, pounding sensation accompanied by headaches, scalp tenderness, or visual changes could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Differentiating Temporal Pulse from Temporal Arteritis
While a pulse is normal, pain or sensitivity in the temple can signal a serious condition called temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis (GCA). The following table compares the typical experience of feeling your normal pulse versus symptoms associated with temporal arteritis.
| Feature | Normal Temporal Pulse | Temporal Arteritis |
|---|---|---|
| Sensation | Regular, rhythmic, and painless pulsing. | Persistent, throbbing, and severe headache localized to the temples. |
| Associated Symptoms | Typically none, though may feel more prominent during exertion or anxiety. | Scalp tenderness, jaw pain when chewing (claudication), fatigue, and vision changes, including potential vision loss. |
| Artery Appearance | No visible swelling or inflammation. | The temporal artery may appear red, swollen, or tender to the touch. |
| Prevalence | A normal physiological finding in all healthy individuals. | Affects older adults (usually over 50) and is an inflammatory condition. |
Comparison of Major Pulse Points
For a more complete understanding of how the temporal pulse fits within the body's vascular network, here is a comparison with other common pulse points:
| Pulse Point | Location | Common Clinical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Temporal | Side of the head, near the temple. | Assessing circulation in the head, especially in children or during specific examinations. |
| Carotid | Side of the neck, beside the windpipe. | Used in emergencies, such as CPR, as it is a strong and reliable pulse. |
| Brachial | Inner aspect of the elbow. | Often used for taking blood pressure and assessing pulse in infants. |
| Radial | Inner wrist, on the thumb side. | The most common site for routine pulse checks. |
| Femoral | In the groin, where the thigh meets the pelvis. | Checking circulation to the legs and during specific medical procedures. |
| Popliteal | Behind the knee. | Used to assess blood flow to the lower leg. |
| Dorsalis Pedis | Top of the foot. | Checks circulation in the foot, important for monitoring patients with peripheral vascular disease. |
Conclusion
In summary, the temple is a pulse point, and feeling a pulse in this area is completely normal. It is caused by the superficial temporal artery, which runs just under the skin. While commonly used by medical professionals in specific scenarios, its primary importance for the average person is understanding that a noticeable pulse in this area is a normal part of your body's functioning. However, being aware of the signs of temporal arteritis, like persistent pain or vision changes, is important for seeking prompt medical attention if necessary. For those interested in learning more about human anatomy, a valuable resource is the Visible Body human anatomy atlas, which can provide detailed insights into the location and function of various arteries, including the temporal. Regular monitoring of your body and understanding its signals can contribute significantly to your overall health awareness.
