Which pulse site is located at the top of the foot?

• A. Carotid
• B. Brachial
• C. Posterior tibial
• D. Dorsal pedis

Answer: (D)

The pulse on the top of the foot is the dorsalis pedis pulse. It’s found on the dorsum of the foot, typically between the first and second metatarsals and near the tendons that run along the top of the foot (often just lateral to the tendon of the extensor hallucis longus). It reflects the arterial supply from the anterior tibial artery and is a common site used to assess perfusion to the foot. In contrast, the posterior tibial pulse is located behind the medial malleolus at the inside of the ankle, the carotid pulse in the neck, and the brachial pulse in the inner elbow area.