What is Cones and Rods

What is Cones and Rods

Cones and rods describe two types of specialized cells found in the retina of the human eye. These cells, known as photoreceptors, are responsible for converting light into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.

Cones are primarily responsible for color vision and are concentrated in the central region of the retina called the fovea. There are three types of cones, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light: red, green, and blue. By combining the signals from these three types of cones, our brain can perceive a wide range of colors. Cones are most effective in well-lit conditions and provide us with high visual acuity, allowing us to see fine details.

Rods, on the other hand, are more sensitive to low levels of light and are responsible for our ability to see in dim conditions or at night. They are spread throughout the retina, except for the fovea where they are absent. Rods do not contribute to color vision but are crucial for detecting motion and providing peripheral vision. While rods are highly sensitive to light, they have a lower visual acuity compared to cones.