TeXes Science Practice Test

What is the name of the artery in the upper arm that is occluded when blood pressure is measured?

1. Brachial

2. Radial

3. Femoral

4. Carotid

The correct answer is: Brachial

The artery in the upper arm that is occluded when measuring blood pressure is called the brachial artery. This artery runs down the length of the upper arm and is the primary vessel used in a standard blood pressure reading. During the measurement process, a cuff is inflated around the upper arm to constrict blood flow in the brachial artery temporarily. As the pressure in the cuff is released, the healthcare provider listens for sounds corresponding to the return of blood flow, which allows for the determination of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Understanding the significance of this artery is crucial for accurate measurements, as it is located centrally in relation to the heart and provides a reliable indication of systemic arterial pressure. The other arteries listed, such as the radial, femoral, and carotid arteries, are involved in circulation but are not typically used for blood pressure measurement in the upper arm. The radial artery is located in the forearm, the femoral artery is found in the thigh, and the carotid artery runs along the neck, making them inappropriate for this specific measurement context.