What are electrodes?

Electrodes are specifically designed to serve as conductive pads or plates that come into direct contact with the patient's skin. Their primary function is to detect electrical activity produced by the heart and other muscle tissues. When used in conjunction with an electrocardiogram (EKG), electrodes pick up the electrical signals generated by the heart as it beats, allowing for the recording and analysis of these signals to assess cardiac health.

In this context, option B accurately describes the role of electrodes in monitoring electrical activity. They create a necessary interface between the patient and the monitoring equipment, ensuring that the signals are transmitted effectively without interference from external electrical current. This relationship is critical in obtaining accurate EKG readings, highlighting their essential function in medical diagnostics.

The other options do not correctly define electrodes as they pertain to their intended function within the realm of EKGs. For instance, the description of wires that carry electricity speaks to a different component in the electrical circuit rather than the role of electrodes specifically.