Hello!

Your body has tiny roads called arteries. These roads carry warm blood from your heart to your head and body.

What people call the "sleep" artery

Some people call the small artery on the side of your head the "sleep artery." Its real name is the temporal artery. It is just above your temple, near your eye and hair. If you put two fingers there very gently, you can sometimes feel a little heartbeat like a tiny drum.

What the carotid artery is

The carotid artery is a bigger road in your neck, on each side. It brings lots of blood up to your brain so your brain can think and play. You can feel its heartbeat on the side of your neck under the jaw, but only let a grown-up check it. Do not press there hard.

How they are the same and different

• Same: Both carry blood to your head and brain, like roads bringing cars to a house.
• Different: The temporal or "sleep" artery is smaller and on the side of your head. The carotid is bigger and lives in your neck.

How to feel a pulse safely

Ask a grown-up to help. Use two fingers and gently touch the temple or the wrist to feel the heartbeat. Never press hard on the neck. If you feel dizzy or worried, tell your grown-up or a doctor.

Want to try? Ask a grown-up to help you find your pulse now!