Rod cells
Rod cells
Rod cells (pronounced: /rɒd sɛlz/), also known as rod photoreceptors, are one of the two types of photoreceptor cells that are in the retina of the eye. They are responsible for peripheral and low light vision, which is vision used at night.
Etymology
The term "rod" comes from the distinctive rod-like shape of these cells. The term "cell" is derived from the Latin cella, meaning "small room".
Function
Rod cells are more sensitive to light than their counterparts, the cone cells, and allow for vision in dim lighting. However, they do not mediate color vision, and have a low spatial acuity.
Structure
Rod cells are longer and narrower than cone cells, and are distributed differently across the retina. The highest concentration of rod cells is found in the peripheral retina, while they are absent from the fovea.
Related terms
- Photoreceptor cell: A type of neuron in the retina that converts light into signals that can stimulate biological processes.
- Cone cell: One of the two types of photoreceptor cells in the retina of the eye. They are responsible for color vision.
- Retina: A thin layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye on the inside. It is responsible for receiving light that the lens has focused, converting the light into neural signals, and sending these signals on to the brain for visual recognition.
- Fovea: A small, central pit composed of closely packed cones in the eye. It is responsible for sharp, central vision.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rod cells
- Wikipedia's article - Rod cells
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