From which artery does a doctor check blood pressure?

When a doctor checks blood pressure, they typically use a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. The cuff is placed around the upper arm, and the stethoscope is positioned over the artery in that region to listen for Korotkoff sounds. The brachial artery is the primary artery used for this measurement because it is large, easily accessible in the antecubital fossa (inner elbow), and provides clear sounds for accurate readings. Its location allows for effective compression by the cuff and detection of blood flow changes.

• The carotid artery is in the neck and is mainly used for checking a pulse in emergency situations, not for routine blood pressure measurement.
• The axillary artery is located deeper in the armpit and is less accessible for standard blood pressure readings.
• The radial artery is found at the wrist and is commonly used for pulse checks, but it is too distal and smaller for accurate auscultatory blood pressure measurement with a cuff.