Final answer:
The radial artery at the wrist is typically used for taking a pulse due to its accessibility, but the pulse can also be measured at other arteries close to the body surface.
Step-by-step explanation:
The location that is usually used for taking a pulse is the radial artery on the wrist. However, the pulse can also be palpated at other arteries close to the body surface, such as the temporal artery on the side of the forehead, the carotid artery in the neck, or the femoral artery in the thigh. Among these, the radial artery is most commonly used due to its accessibility.
The radial artery is often chosen for pulse taking because it is formed at the bifurcation of the brachial artery, and it travels along the radius bone, easily accessible at the wrist. It is generally palpated by placing the tips of the fingers lightly over the artery.