Rods

Rods are a special type of light-sensitive cell located on the retina, which are able to absorb light in low levels of illumination. They are concentrated in the outer areas of the retina.

The Figure shows the sensitivity of the rods, compared to the three types of cones.

Relative sensitivities of the three types of cones, sensitive to short (S), middle (M) and long (L) wavelengths. Image adapted from R.W. Pridmore (see Figure 1 - Atten Percept Psychophys (2021) 83:1 797–1803).

See also: Parts of the eye for a diagram.

 

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