What is the gel or pad that conducts electricity called?

The correct term for the gel or pad that conducts electricity in the context of EKGs is "electrode." Electrodes are conductive pads that facilitate the transfer of electrical signals from the heart to the EKG machine. These electrodes are typically coated with a conductive gel that helps to improve contact with the skin, ensuring accurate readings of the heart's electrical activity.

Using electrodes is essential for capturing the electrical impulses generated by the heart, which are then transmitted as electrical signals. This allows for the proper recording of an EKG, enabling healthcare professionals to assess cardiac rhythm and detect any potential abnormalities.

While leads refer to the specific connections and arrangements during EKG testing, they are not the gel or pad itself. Instead, leads are essentially the paths through which the electrical signals are recorded by the machine. Conductors and connectors are broader terms and do not specifically refer to the gel or pad used in EKG procedures. Thus, "electrode" accurately represents the conductive element used in this scenario.