Specialized sensory neurons located in the retina that are sensitive to light are essential for vision. These cells convert light energy into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. Two primary types exist: rods, which are highly sensitive to low light levels and responsible for night vision, and cones, which function best in bright light and are responsible for color vision and visual acuity.
Understanding how these cells function is fundamental to comprehending visual perception and various visual disorders. Their discovery and subsequent study have significantly advanced the field of neuroscience. Dysfunction or damage to these light-sensitive cells can lead to conditions such as color blindness, night blindness, and other forms of visual impairment, highlighting their crucial role in sight.
