_ are responsible for color vision, whereas ___ are responsible for vision in low intensity light and are sensitive to movement
A Rods, cones
B Ganglion cells, intermediate cells
C Photoreceptive cells, intermediate cells
D Cones, rods
E Pyramidal, conical
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
D: Cones, rods
Explanation:
The human eye contains two primary types of photoreceptor cells, cones and rods, which are responsible for different aspects of vision.
- Cones: These photoreceptor cells are primarily responsible for color vision and function best in bright light conditions. Cones are concentrated in the fovea, the central part of the retina, where visual acuity is highest. There are three types of cones, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light: short (S-cones) sensitive to blue, medium (M-cones) sensitive to green, and long (L-cones) sensitive to red. The combination of input from these cones allows us to perceive a broad spectrum of colors. Cones also contribute to the sharpness and clarity of vision (visual acuity) in well-lit environments.
- Rods: In contrast, rods are responsible for vision in low-intensity light and are much more sensitive to light than cones. They are primarily involved in night vision or scotopic vision and help detect movement. Rods are more concentrated in the peripheral regions of the retina, which explains why we tend to see better in dim light when we use our peripheral vision. Rods do not contribute to color perception but are highly effective in detecting motion and providing visual input in low-light conditions.
Key Differences:
- Color vision: Cones allow for color vision, whereas rods do not contribute to color perception.
- Low-light vision: Rods are more sensitive to low light and are responsible for vision in dim conditions, while cones require brighter light to function effectively.
- Movement sensitivity: Rods are better at detecting movement, particularly in dim light.
This specialization between cones and rods allows for optimal visual function in various lighting conditions, ensuring both high-resolution color vision in bright light and motion detection in low-light environments.