Human Biology II

Winter 2003Pulses

After completing this exercise, you should be able to:

- locate and name the 7 distinct pulses of the human body

- take a resting pulse

- test the effect of physical exertion on pulse rate

On yourself or a partner, locate the following pulses

-Carotid-Abdominal aorta

-Radial-Antebrachial

-Femoral-Popliteal

-Anterior tibialis or dorsalis pedis

Remember to apply enough pressure to feel the pulse, but not too much as to occlude the vessel. And never use your thumb to take a pulse.Note any differences between pulses.

• Take your resting pulse and record on board and lab report.
• Run in place – go up and down the stairs, jump – do some physical activity for at least 3 minutes. Take pulse immediately upon stopping. Record in lab report. Sit quietly for about 3 – 4 minutes and take pulse again. What did you notice about the pulse rate before, immediately after and again at rest?

Blood Pressure

After completing this exercise, you should be able to:

-measure blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer

-test the effect of physical exertion on blood pressure

• Following instructions, take a resting blood pressure. Record your own resting blood pressure and your partner’s.
• Run in place – go up and down the stairs, jump – do some physical activity for at least 3 minutes. Take blood pressure immediately upon stopping. Record in lab report. Sit quietly for about 3 – 4 minutes and take blood pressure again. What did you notice about the blood pressure before, immediately after and again at rest?

Record the average & range of resting pulse and blood pressures by gender among class members.

Male = average pulse = _______________ BPMaverage BP = __________________ mm HG

range of pulse = range of BP =

Female = average pulse = _______________ BPMaverage BP = __________________ mm HG

range of pulse = range of BP =

Does there seem to be a gender difference in resting pulse or blood pressure rate?