fotoreceptorrendszer

The fotoreceptorrendszer, or photoreceptor system, refers to the biological mechanisms within an organism that detect and respond to light. In humans and other vertebrates, this system is primarily located in the retina of the eye and consists of specialized cells called photoreceptor cells. These cells, namely rods and cones, convert light energy into electrical signals that are then processed by the nervous system.

Rods are highly sensitive to low light levels and are responsible for black and white vision, particularly in dim conditions. They contain a pigment called rhodopsin. Cones, on the other hand, are less sensitive to light but are responsible for color vision and sharp detail in brighter light. There are three types of cones, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light (red, green, and blue).

When light strikes these photoreceptor cells, it causes a chemical change in their photopigments. This change initiates a cascade of events that ultimately leads to a change in the electrical potential of the cell. This electrical signal is then transmitted through other retinal neurons and eventually to the brain via the optic nerve, where it is interpreted as vision. The efficiency and sensitivity of the fotoreceptorrendszer are crucial for survival, enabling organisms to navigate, find food, and avoid predators. Variations in the fotoreceptorrendszer can lead to various visual impairments.