Which two parts make up a lead in a pacemaker?

In a pacemaker system, a lead typically consists of an electrode and a connector. The electrode is the part of the lead that interfaces with the heart, delivering electrical impulses to stimulate the heart muscle, while the connector serves as the interface between the lead and the pulse generator, allowing the electrical signals to be transmitted effectively.

The electrode can be classified as either an anode or a cathode, as these terms refer to the two essential components of an electrical circuit: the anode being the positive side and the cathode the negative side. However, the designation of a lead as comprising solely an anode and cathode does not fully represent the structure of a pacemaker lead, which also includes the connector to ensure compatibility with the pacemaker's pulse generator.

Thus, the correct components that succinctly describe a pacemaker lead in practical application are the electrode and connector, which together enable the device to function properly while interfacing with both the heart and the pacemaker unit.