Fotoretseptoriteks

Fotoretseptoriteks are specialized cells in the retina of the eye responsible for detecting light. These photoreceptor cells convert light into electrical signals that are then processed by the brain to form visual images. There are two main types of photoreceptor cells: rods and cones.

Rods are highly sensitive to light and are primarily responsible for vision in low-light conditions, also known as scotopic vision. They do not perceive color and provide black-and-white vision. Rods are distributed more densely in the periphery of the retina.

Cones, on the other hand, function best in bright light and are responsible for color vision and sharp detail, also known as photopic vision. There are three types of cones, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light: red, green, and blue. The brain interprets the signals from these different cone types to perceive the full spectrum of colors. Cones are concentrated in the fovea, the central part of the retina, which is responsible for our sharpest vision.

When light strikes a photoreceptor, it triggers a biochemical cascade that leads to a change in the cell's membrane potential. This electrical signal is then transmitted to other neurons in the retina and eventually to the brain via the optic nerve. The ability of photoreceptors to adapt to different light levels is crucial for our vision to function effectively in a wide range of environments. Damage or dysfunction of photoreceptor cells can lead to various visual impairments, including night blindness and color blindness.