Final answer:
The popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis pulses are used to assess peripheral circulation in the lower limbs, with each pulse representing an area of arterial blood supply. Palpating these pulses can help in diagnosing circulatory impairment and is part of a physical examination.
Step-by-step explanation:
The popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis pulses are all crucial in assessing peripheral circulation, especially in the lower extremities. The popliteal pulse is located behind the knee and is a continuation of the femoral artery. It bifurcates into the anterior and posterior tibial arteries. The posterior tibial pulse can be found near the medial malleolus, indicating circulation to the posterior compartment of the leg. The dorsalis pedis pulse is found on the dorsum of the foot and signifies blood supply to the anterior part of the foot. A palpable pulse at these sites suggests that there is an unobstructed blood flow within the respective arterial regions.
Palpating these pulses manually can help detect peripheral artery diseases, diabetic vascular disease, vessel occlusion, or aneurysms among other conditions. It is an essential part of physical examination in patients with suspected circulatory impairment in the lower limbs. The procedure involves using the tips of the fingers to feel for the pulse by pressing lightly over the artery as it runs close to the body surface.