Final answer:
The c) brachial artery is the artery most commonly used for taking a blood pressure reading. It is preferred because of its size and proximity to the heart, providing an accurate reflection of arterial pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The artery most commonly used for taking a blood pressure reading is the brachial artery. This practice involves using a mercury manometer and an inflatable cuff placed on the upper arm. The pressure exerted by this cuff when inflated interrupts the blood flow in the brachial artery. As the pressure in the cuff is slowly released, the practitioner listens for the return of blood flow, determining the systolic and diastolic pressures. While the radial artery may commonly be used for measuring the pulse, the brachial artery is preferred for measuring blood pressure due to its larger size and proximity to the heart which provides a more accurate reflection of central arterial pressure.