Cone

Cone is a type of specialized light-absorbing cell in the retina of the eye that provides color vision and sharp central vision.

Anatomy

The human eye contains two types of photoreceptor cells: rods and cones. Cones are responsible for color vision and function best in relatively bright light conditions. Cones are less sensitive to light than the rod cells in the retina (which support vision at low light levels), but allow the perception of color. They are also able to perceive finer detail and more rapid changes in images.

Types of Cones

There are three types of cones that differ in the wavelengths of light they absorb; they are often identified as short-wavelength (S), middle-wavelength (M), and long-wavelength (L) cones, but are also often referred to as blue, green, and red cones, respectively.

Short-wavelength cones

Short-wavelength cones, also known as S-cones or blue cones, are most sensitive to light that is perceived as blue, with wavelengths around 420 nm.

Middle-wavelength cones

Middle-wavelength cones, also known as M-cones or green cones, are most sensitive to light, with wavelengths around 534 nm.

Long-wavelength cones

Long-wavelength cones, also known as L-cones or red cones, are most sensitive to light, with wavelengths around 564 nm.

Function

Cones are less sensitive to light than the rod cells in the retina (which support vision at low light levels), but allow the perception of color. They are also able to perceive finer detail and more rapid changes in images.

Disorders

Disorders of the cone cells can lead to a variety of vision disorders, including color blindness and macular degeneration.

See also

• Photoreceptor cell
• Rod cell
• Visual perception
• Color vision
• Retina

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