The pulse is the pressure wave that occurs as each heartbeat causes a surge in the blood circulating through the arteries. The pulse is mostly felt at a pulse point where a major artery lies near the surface and can be pressed gently against a bone or solid organ. 

To palpate (feel) the pulse, hold together your index and long fingers and place their tip over a pulse point, press gently against the artery until you feel intermittent pulsation (see Figures 14-16, below).

Normal range for pulse rate