In the retina, which cells detect light?

In the retina, which cells detect light?

• A. Bipolar cells
• B. Photoreceptors
• C. Ganglion cells
• D. Amacrine cells

Answer: (B)

Photoreceptors are the cells in the retina that detect light. They contain photopigments in their outer segments that absorb photons and convert light into chemical signals, kicking off visual transduction. There are two main types: rods, which are highly sensitive and handle dim light, and cones, which provide color information and sharp vision in bright light. The signal from photoreceptors is then transmitted to bipolar cells and onward to ganglion cells, which send visual information to the brain. Other retinal neurons, like amacrine and bipolar cells, help process and refine the signal but do not detect light themselves.

Photoreceptors are the cells in the retina that detect light. They contain photopigments in their outer segments that absorb photons and convert light into chemical signals, kicking off visual transduction. There are two main types: rods, which are highly sensitive and handle dim light, and cones, which provide color information and sharp vision in bright light. The signal from photoreceptors is then transmitted to bipolar cells and onward to ganglion cells, which send visual information to the brain. Other retinal neurons, like amacrine and bipolar cells, help process and refine the signal but do not detect light themselves.