What is the term for the beat of the heart felt at an artery as blood passes through?

The term for the beat of the heart felt at an artery as blood passes through is "pulse." The pulse is a direct reflection of the heart's contractions and can be felt in various locations throughout the body where arteries are close to the skin's surface. It provides essential information about the heart's rhythm and strength, allowing healthcare providers to assess a patient's cardiovascular health.

Heart rate, while related, specifically refers to the number of times the heart beats in a specific period (commonly measured per minute) and does not directly describe the sensation felt in the arteries. Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of the arteries and is expressed as two numbers, systolic and diastolic, rather than a perceptible beat. Cardiac output quantifies the amount of blood the heart pumps in a given time frame but does not relate to the physical sensation of the pulse itself. Thus, pulse is the correct term for the beat felt in an artery as blood flows through.