What does the radial pulse refer to?

The radial pulse specifically refers to the pulse that can be felt at the wrist. This pulse is located at the radial artery, which runs along the thumb side of the forearm and is commonly accessed by placing the fingers gently over the wrist. This is a standard method for measuring heart rate and assessing circulation in clinical settings, as it is easily accessible and provides reliable readings.

The other options describe locations where alternative pulses can be felt, such as the carotid pulse in the neck or the popliteal pulse behind the knee, and the dorsalis pedis pulse near the ankle. Each of these has distinct anatomical locations and functions but does not refer to the radial pulse, which is uniquely identified at the wrist.