👉 Photoreceptors, or light-sensitive receptors, are specialized cells primarily found in the retina of the eye and in certain areas of the brain that process visual information. These receptors are crucial for detecting and interpreting light particles, known as photons, which are the fundamental units of light. In the retina, photoreceptors are divided into two main types: rods and cones. Rods are highly sensitive to low light levels and are responsible for vision in dim conditions, though they do not contribute to color vision. Cones, on the other hand, function best in bright light and are essential for color vision and visual acuity. Photoreceptors contain photopigments, such as rhodopsin in rods and various opsins in cones, which absorb photons. When a photon is absorbed, it triggers a chemical reaction that initiates a series of biochemical processes, ultimately leading to a neural signal that is transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve. This process converts light into electrical signals, enabling the brain to interpret visual information and perceive the world around us.
